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Animals in Art: Signs, Symbols, and Significance Featuring the Asian Art Collection of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

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Animals in Art: Signs, Symbols, and Significance Featuring the Asian Art Collection of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art Animals in Art: Signs, Symbols, and Significance featuring the Asian Art collection of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art Pair of Monkeys, Japanese, Muromachi Period (1336-1573) Wood with traces of pigment and crystal eyes In many Asian cultures, people believe that their lives are determined not by luck or hard work, but by the “animal that hides in their hearts.” Three Indian Terracoa Household Animals: Ox, Dog, and Horse (used as toys or voves) Prehistoric – 300 CE According to ancient beliefs, the hour, day, month, and year in which a person is born determines his future personality and character traits. Jar with Dragons and Religious Personages Satsuma stoneware with signature of Fusan Year of the Dragon The Dragon Personality: Dragons aract and enjoy aenon, and thrive in situaons that require acon. They do not like roune. They put lots of energy into projects and interacons, and are frequently impulsive. They usually create a sr wherever they go. Photo by Mary Harrsch In many Asian countries, people believe that animals can help humans. Parcular animals are honored and used for special purposes. For example, what words come to mind when you look at this bull? What are its characteriscs? JIAOYI Chinese, 20th century Finger Painng of Oxen, 1955 Ink on paper Bulls and oxen display great strength, determinaon, and stability. It is no surprise that in Asian cultures bulls are symbolic of hard work, and slow and steady progress. They can be stubborn, and they will always defend what they believe is right. Look carefully at this monkey. What do you noce? Pair of Monkeys, Japanese 1336-1573, wood with traces of pigment He is wearing human clothing - do you see his vest? Pair of Monkeys, Japanese 1336-1573, wood with traces of pigment His crystal eye doesn’t miss a thing. One monkey has an open mouth, while the other monkey’s mouth is closed. Why? The open mouth signifies the “ah” sound (also the first leer of the Sanskrit alphabet), and the closed mouth indicates an “um” - the last sound. Together they represent the beginning and end to all things. Monkeys were sacred in the Shinto and Buddhist religions, and people believed they oen helped gods and humans communicate with each other. This pair of hand-carved statues probably protected a shrine. But not all monkeys are spiritual, responsible, and helpful! Painng by an SBMA ArtVenture Camp student What words describe these monkeys at play? Monkeys can also be smart, playful, and tricky. They fool people and other animals when they want to, or when they need to escape from a tough situaon. Monkeys and monkey-people love to chaer, and they can be very friendly. But watch out! They just might help themselves to one of your possessions when you aren’t looking. Lions are frequently featured in Asian art. Although they may seem to be lazy at mes… …when strangers approach, they quickly become alert and aenve! What is this lion doing? How would you describe it? Within seconds, this lion can change posions and atudes and become… Scratching Lion Chinese Tang dynasty 618-906 CE earthenware Photo by Mary Harrsch …fierce and imposing! In China and Japan, it is common to place sculptures of lions outside of shrines, tombs, or front doors. Why would a lion be a good choice for these locaons? Pair of Guardian Lions Chinese, 386-535, Stone What are some helpful characteriscs of lions? Pair of Guardian Lions Chinese, 386-535, Stone Chinese guardian lions were always created in pairs, with the male resng his paw upon the world and the female restraining a playful cub that is on its back. Lioness and Cub Chinese Tang dynasty Photo by Mary Harrsch This Chinese paper cung signifies the Year of the Dog. What does it mean if you are born under the sign of the dog? If you have dogs, then you know that they are alert, and good at sniffing out soluons to problems. Many people say that a dog is “man’s best friend.” Why? Dogs (and people born under the sign of the dog) are cheerful, honest, and loyal. They will stand by you when you need them. Detail Folding Screen depicng Spring Morning in the Han Palace Qing dynasty Kangxi Period 1662-1722 Wood and clay core covered with lacquer China Photo by Mary Harrsch Whether they are being fiercely protecve… …or sweet and lovable, people all over the world love their dogs because they are trustworthy and faithful companions. This Japanese horse from the 6th century seems to be frozen in me... Haniwa Horse’s Head Japanese – Late Kofun or Tumulus Period – 6th Century …but look carefully at this Chinese horse. What do its acons reveal about its personality? Do you sense its “life force” or Ch’i ? Standing Horse Chinese, Tang Dynasty (618-906) Photo by Mary Harrsch With its lted head, raised foot, and wide-open eyes and nostrils, this Standing Horse appears to be alive and moving! Standing Horse Chinese, Tang Dynasty (618-906) Photo by Mary Harrsch Detail Folding Screen depicng Spring Morning in the Han Palace Qing dynasty Kangxi Period 1662-1722 Wood and clay core covered with lacquer China Horses and horse people usually don’t care about seling down, but love to travel and be on the move. When they believe in something, they work hard at it, without keeping track of me or payment. They are strong and fast, and oen lively, energec, and honest. If you expect them to do something they don’t value, don’t be surprised if they kick up their heels and gallop away to freedom! Roof Tile in the form of warrior on Horse Chinese Ming dynasty 136801644 earthenware Hundreds of years ago, a Chinese homeowner had this roof le of a lion-dog created to protect his home. He believed the powerful spirits of both these animals kept his family and possessions safe. Roof Tiles in the form of a reclining lion-dog Chinese Ming dynasty 1368-1644 CE earthenware Photo by Mary Harrsch Look closely at this vase. What creature is depicted in several different posions? Vase Qing dynasty Qianlong mark and period 1795 CE China porcelain Photo by Mary Harrsch Did you discover a stork? In ancient Asian cultures, the crane was believed to live for 1,000 years, and was therefore a symbol for a healthy, long life and great happiness. Detail, Vase Qing dynasty Qianlong mark and period 1795 CE China porcelain Photo by Mary Harrsch Have you ever watched an egret hunt for its dinner? The egret stands very sll for long periods of me before pouncing on its dinner. In the Chinese culture, egrets and herons represent strength, purity, and paence. Ohara SHŌSON (KOSON)1877-1945 Chinese Egrets, ca. 1930 Hollow Brick with Tigers and Bi Disk Funerary Architecture Element Chinese, early Eastern Han dynasty, (25 CE – 220 CE), Xian region, earthenware, molded design Find the animal that is repeated in this carving. What is it, and what are its characteriscs? Hollow Brick with Tigers and Bi Disk Funerary Architecture Element Chinese, early Eastern Han dynasty, (25 CE – 220 CE), Xian region, earthenware, molded design Tigers are passionate and strong, and possess courage and strength. They love freedom and independence, and are oen on the prowl for what they truly desire. Tigers know how to be paent and stalk their prey, and they usually win in the end. Therefore, they are good leaders, and take bold leaps when the me is right. Can you connect this stag with success in bale? Stags are fast, strong, and bold, and can aack their enemies with powerful antlers. How would you feel about facing a soldier who wears this armor in bale? Perhaps the spirit of the stag will empower him to achieve victory over his adversaries. Armor with Helmet and Facemask Japanese, 19th century These small figurines represent the animals featured in the Chinese Zodiac. They were honored in ancient households. Standing tall and straight, they are dressed in their ceremonial robes. Rams and ram people dislike working under pressure. They are sure-footed and appreciate stability in their lives. Although they enjoy the company of others, they are oen rather quiet and mid. They are not afraid to climb to isolated places and live a solitary life at mes. Twelve Zodiac Animals in Human Attire, Chinese, Northern dynasties-Sui dynasty, 6th-7th century Gray earthenware with traces of pigment Crows in Autumn, Kishi Chikudō, Japanese 1826-1897 Now it is your turn. Do you recognize this creature? What characteriscs does it have? How would you describe a crow-like person? Mural created by students in SBMA’s ArtVenture Camp Look for and think about animals in art; they appear as mascots, guardians, and powerful signs and symbols in many cultures. Art shows us what people around the world - in both ancient and modern mes - honor, fear, believe, and celebrate. Photographs by Joni Chancer, SBMA Program Consultant, unless otherwise indicated. .
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