INTRODUCTION
Nowadays, Chinese culture is presented by thousands of art and religious masterpieces, which reflects the country's deep historical roots and wisdom of many generations. However, modern China took a rapid pace in economic development and social advancement, it is necessary to evaluate the country's historical, religious and cultural heritage in order to understand a unique life approach of China.
A plentiful of artistic accomplishments gives a vision of diverse and exotic Chinese culture, including the areas of architecture, poetry, philosophy, painting and, of course, porcelain production. During its huge historical path China was influenced by religious confessions, foreign intervention, changes of dynasties and, eventually, by communist revolution in the early 20th century up to modern days with up-to-date technological breakthroughs. Not to mention, foreign traders, who were excited about exporting original Chinese goods, such as silk, porcelain and tea, inspired later Chinese artworks (Clunas, 1997).
Naturally, religious beliefs a dominant religious confession at different times have shaped Chinese societies and, therefore, influenced on the development of Chinese art. However, Islam and Christianity were introduced and practiced in China for centuries; the main religions were Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. The latter confessions, naturally, affected philosophical minds of Chinese artists.
CHINESE ART AND RELIGION
As everywhere, religion has always been a cornerstone of societies globally, often affected the direction of philosophical minds, and created masterpieces by its influence. Although above-mentioned religious confessions were practiced throughout China, it is also known that ancestor veneration was also followed by Chinese believers. The ancient belief is based on the idea to honour ancestors and provide their welfare after their lives. According to (P. E. Museum), ‘'the living hope that their ancestors who have passed on to the next world and have close contact with spiritual forces can help bring them good fortune, wealth, prosperity, and progeny''. To the contrary, if the ancestors are not respected after their lives, that could cause grieves in the family. Those believes have influenced the painting, where ancestors were depicted, as well as style of housing interior.
Figure 2.1 - Ancestral Portrait of a Couple 19th century, Huizhou, China (P. E. Museum)
Another important religion, evolved in China, is Confucianism, which for centuries represented a set of ethical values and even developed into a principal codes for policy-makers during the ancient time (Yao, 2000). The religion is based on the studies and teachings of Master Kong or Kongfuzi (ca. 551 – 479 bce). Initially, that was rather a study of moral and social principles of the ruling dynasty and important governing bodies. His teaching made a point of moral character in the society along with importance of proper family, family and government relationships. Confucianism gave a priority of several virtues, such as filial piety, loyalty, trust, humility, integrity, righteousness, etc. During a rise of Confucianism a set of civil rights was created, which consequently influenced philosophy and poetry in China.
Another prominent religious confession in China, which widely influenced in China, is Daoism (Maspero & Kierman, 1981). The principal idea of this religious teaching is the fact that human path is inclined in the natural order of the universe. This means that human being should profit of inaction, while letting the nature take a leading course. Following this idea, a human should take his or her position regarding the laws of the nature, rather than fit into artificial values of society. Daoism flourishes such human virtues, as compassion, simplicity and patience, while followers practice this religion through meditation and physical exercises, such as taijiquan. Naturally, a development of Daoism has reflected in a burst of cultural works. An example of the artwork, devoted to this religion, is illustrated in Figure 2.2.
Figure 2.2 - Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning Early 19th century (P. E. Museum)
Daoism made its footprint in painting and sculptures by illustrating and worshipping Daoist deities, as well as in the development of Daoist monasteries and general architecture. According to (P. E. Museum), ''this deity, who is one of the most important and powerful Daoist gods, did not appear until the 5th century, but soon thereafter was accorded very high status as the source of all Daoist teachings, able to free the souls of all living things from suffering''.
Originated in India, Buddhism found its followers in China, too (Ch'en, 1964). A central figure of the religion is Siddhartha Gautama, born in 6th century BC in the Sakya royal family, The teaching spread over China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Taiwan, Tibet, and Vietnam. A principal idea of the religion is that life is suffering, but human being can attain freedom and liberate itself by giving up any desire. His life is believed to be a celestial manifestation and a proof that humans should aspire for personal enlightenment. Buddhism has appeared in China during the rule of the Han dynasty (206 bce – 220 ce), which came with a popular trade route from China, called the Silk Road. Generally, this religious teaching is focused on monasticism, meditation and personal enlightenment. The figure of Guanyin represents male and female features and is believed to possess great power. An example of the figure is shown in Figure 2.3.
Figure 2.3 - Figure of Guanyin (P. E. Museum)
During the rule of the Shanghai dynasty (T. B. Museum) China was the first country to develop a technology to produce porcelain from white clay, called kaolin. Furthermore, during Mongol rule trade relationships between China and Middle East, South-east Asia, India were encouraged. Eventually, a porcelain pieces began to be decorated with blue from the mineral cobalt, which was imported from Persia. During the Ming dynasty, Portuguese and Dutch merchants established a commercial connection with China and started to import porcelain.
CONCLUSION
Being one of the oldest civilization on the Earth, China has one of the oldest religion and philosophical teachings. Chinese religion is a complex mix of ancestor veneration, Daoism, Confucianism, Buddhism and other religious confessions. During a long history of Chinese civilization, each religion made its footprint on different religious artworks in painting, architecture, sculpture, poetry, etc. It is underlined that religious believes also made an impact on the development of the Chinese society, shaping national virtues. Going deeper in historical, religious and cultural roots, one can better evaluate Chinese national character and life approach.
References
Ch'en, K. K. (1964). Buddhism in China: A historical survey (Vol. 1972): Princeton University Press Princeton, NJ.
Clunas, C. (1997). Art in China (Vol. 2): Oxford University Press, USA.
Maspero, H., & Kierman, F. A. (1981). Taoism and Chinese religion: University of Massachusetts Press Amherst, MA.
Museum, P. E. A Teacher’s Sourcebook for Chinese Art & Culture. Chinese Art & Culture, 32.
Museum, T. B. Chinese Art. A guide for teachers based around objects displayed in the Joseph E. Hotung Gallery of Oriental Antiquities, Room 33 16.
Yao, X. (2000). An introduction to Confucianism: Cambridge University Press.
