Asia, with its millennia-old civilizations, has been a major cradle of global artistic development.

This course begins by examining early art in ancient cultures like Mesopotamia, India, China, Persia, and Japan, tracing the evolution of artistic expressions in painting, sculpture, calligraphy, architecture, and decorative arts.

The influence of religion, mythology, and nature on Asian artistic styles forms a central theme.

Students also explore how art interacts with Eastern philosophy, culture, and political systems, with attention to distinctions between religious, courtly, and folk art in content and form.

By comparing masterpieces from East, Central, South, and West Asia, students gain insight into both the unity and diversity of Asian art.

The course emphasizes cross-cultural influences and the role of art in reflecting and shaping historical narratives.