Buddhist Art in China

3 units

The relationship between Buddhism and the arts (architecture, sculpture, painting and ritual implements) from the introduction of the Dharma until late imperial times. Topics include: early image making, imperial patronage, pure land cults (Amitabha, Maitreya), the cult of relics, esotericism (Mandala), popular devotional cults (Avalokitesvara, Ksitigarbha, Arhats), and Himalayan Buddhism in the Yuan, Ming and Qing periods. Prerequisite, Art-Arch 111EQ or permission of instructor.