Asia - the Arts of the Orient

Native art in Asia has mostly been influenced by China and India but many of the countries in this area still keep their traditional art alive and retain the distinct quality the original people produced.

There are recognisable divisions between those cultures influenced by China and those influenced by India such as Japan compared to Indonesia and Malaysia and in the Philippines there is a combination of both.

As Hinduism and Buddhism were introduced to South east Asia, their traditions were altered and adapted to suit their new found beliefs. This also affected the Philippines but with Christianity.

Neolithic sites in the area produced stone tools, baskets, and pottery. The Bronze Age in South east Asia dates from about 800 B.C. to 500 B.C.

In Japan great importance is placed on natural materials and the arts show a minimalist approach where empty space is as important as filled space.

In Indonesia painted masks, puppets and other artefacts go back a very long way, beautifully illustrated manuscripts which were produced in Java and Bali from around the end of the 18th century.

Many of the manuscripts of Hindu epics and Javanese poems are beautifully decorated with lively scenes. High ranking people are usually shown in profile in the stylised manner.

The tumpal border, which is essentially a series of triangles, is another very ancient motif found on early bronze drums and on imported Indian fabrics.

Today it is common on the Malay Peninsula in weaving and in arts from Borneo, South Sulawesi and Sumbawa.

Vietnamese folk art has a long history and silk painting is one of the most popular forms, favoured for the mystical atmosphere that can be achieved with the medium.

The highly developed Dong Son culture that flourished in North Vietnam (from about 1,000 BC to the 4th century BC) was the civilisation responsible for the world-famous Dong Son drums, a product of their advanced bronze-casting skills.

Thailand has a rich tradition of crafts, handed down over generations since the earliest days of the kingdoms certainly the best-known Thai product is silk.

Numerous commonplace items are given an elegance of line or design that makes them more than merely functional.

Temples of the region are lavishly decorated with ornate pediments, cornice lintels and roof ends, and the skill is also evident in countless domestic items.

The northern handicrafts, made by tribal people living along the borders of Burma and Laos, include silver jewellery and wood carvings.

Fine embroidery is also a traditional hill-tribe art, with the Hmong and Yao people being particularly skilled at creating bold, geometric designs in cotton.

The Philippines to the east of the Asian continent, with a Catholic majority and the Muslim minority in the south, although they claim these faiths, they have not fundamentally converted as they still have their ancient original beliefs intertwined, and this shows in their art and culture.

The most recognisable art is the bulol, sacred wood carved figures of the Ilfugao people in the north. The Muslims from among the mountain tribes of Mindanao, Mindoro, and Palawan use mainly geometric designs, and vegetable dyes are used to colour the finished product.

Arts - Crafts - Gifts - Posters

• Vietnam Artwork a leading online Vietnamese Art gallery, the highest quality handmade Vietnamese art, such as: Vietnamese embroidery paintings , Vietnamese silk paintings, Asian ceramic paintings, Vietnamese lacquer paintings, mother of pearl paintings, Oriental wood vases, Vietnamese water puppets, stone boxes, and more.
• Japan Art and Gifts provides products that exhibit the flair of Japanese design, some of the products are hand made by talented artisans who spend weeks to produce just one piece.
• Thailand Handicrafts a wonderful collection of hand made craft, jewellery and gifts representing the best in Thai art and culture.
• Posters and Prints of Asian art and culture can be viewed here, just type in your preference in the search box on this page,