Jeremy Velasco's Art History Blog

https://smarthistory.org/japan-jomon-heian/      The Asuka period was Japan's first historical period. What made the Asuka period different from previous prehistoric periods (Jomon period, Yayoi period, and Kofun period.) was the introduction of writing from China and Korea. The introduction of written language was extremely influential on this time period because it introduced not only writing, but also a standardized measuring system, a new currency in the form of coins, and the practice of historical record keeping. Eventually, these things would lead to the creation of a centralized and bureaucratic government modeled after the Chinese.      The Asuka period was also the time when Buddhism was introduced to Japan. This would significantly change Japanese culture and society because it differed from the traditional, indigenous religion of Japan, Shinto or "way of the gods". Shinto is a relatinship with nature that represent important spirits with shrines...

https://smarthistory.org/the-stupa/     The stupa looks like a hemisphere or semi-circle and it is meant to represent the burial mound of the Buddha (founder of Buddhism) and a resting place for his relics. Some stupas also held the relics of other great Buddhist teachers and important monks. Interestingly enough, a stupa can also take the form of a small container or reliquary. These stupas were made to contain the ashes of a person, very similar to what we know today as a urn.    The Great Stupa, located near the village of Sanchi in India was constructed nearly two thousand years ago. More recently though there have been additions to the exterior, four gateways were added that mark cardinal direction. The Great Stupa's exterior is undecorated , but the gateways are carved with elaborate scenes, figures, and narratives. While these gateways contain so many narratives, Buddha is never once depicted in human form but it is said that he is represented by various ...

https://smarthistory.org/angkor-wat/      Angkor Wat is a grand temple located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Angkor Wat, when translated from Khmer (the official language of Cambodia) means "city temple" and is the largest religious monument in the world.       Angkor Wat has a lot of history and religious meaning. The Hindu religion has three principal gods in the Hindu pantheon; Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. The temple is said to be dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, also known as the "Protector". Angkor Wat began construction in 1113 C.E. and was built by King Suryavarman II. The king, whos name translates to "protector of the sun" was thought to be laid to rest here after death, meaning the temple was not only the home of the Hindu God Vishnu, but also the mausoleum of King Suryavarman II.       Khmer kings often had to legitimize their claim to political office by building temples. This was also a way to claim the protection and powers ...

https://smarthistory.org/viking-art/ Vikings, contrary to the way they are depicted in modern film, belonged to a group of peoples called the Norse who were merchants, farmers, and craftsmen. The Viking Age which took place from 8th century to 11th century led people from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden to sail the globe.  Visuals were of great importance to the Norse. Objects were created from highly-skilled craftspeople such as woodworks and blacksmiths. Materials such as metal, stone, ivory, and even bone have been recovered from pieces of Norse art.  Many Norse objects were created with both practical and symbolic purposes. Imagery in the art was created to communicate ideas about social religions, religious beliefs, and even to tell mythical tales.  Viking art is distinct from other cultures as it represents a unique way of thinking about the world.  The pictures about show carvings of the stern of Oseberg's ship. Each section of the stern is carved in a unique styl...

      The Bestiary  https://smarthistory.org/bestiary-book-beasts-medieval-world/     The middle ages is a period of time in Europe between the end of the fifth century and the start of the Renaissance in the fifteenth century. This time period has been famously referred to as the dark ages due to the loss of classical learning after antiquity in the fifth century. Contrary to belief, the dark ages was not a time of struggle or ignorance. As historians learned more about the time period, they changed the name to the middle ages and this was a time when Christianity was flourishing in Europe.                            The Bestiary was one of the most popular texts during the middle ages all due to the mass expansion of Christianity in Europe. Followers of Christianity believed that every element of the world is a creation/manifestation of God. This book places emphasis on the religio...

https://smarthistory.org/introduction-to-mosque-architecture/ A mosque is a building or place where Muslims gather for prayer. Like the church to Christianity, the mosque is a very important part of the Islam religion. The original mosque was thought to be the home of the Prophet Muhammad. His home was constructed in the "7th-century Arabian style, with a large courtyard, surrounded by rooms supported by columns". As a result many of the mosques is this area are designed in this same style. Islam is a global religion, its followers spread across the world. The followers of Islam have constructed Mosques all over the world many with different designs and representations. Due to the common function of the mosque, they do share common features. Every mosque, regardless of the time it was built and the region it was built in shares four common features; a courtyard (Sahn), a niche (Mihrab), a tower (minaret), and a dome (qubba). The courtyard is the place where all men in the tow...

 Islam is one of the world's monotheistic faiths. The Kaaba, believed to have been built by Abraham and his son Ishmael is the most important center for pilgrimage in Islam.  The Kaaba, which means 'cube' in Arabic, is the religious epicenter of Mecca. The Kaaba is granite masonry covered in silk curtain, with calligraphy in gold and silver thread. It is the holiest shrine in Islam. In the Islam religion, followers pray five times a day, and regardless of your location, these prayers are directed towards Mecca and the Kaaba.  The Pre-Islamic Kaaba originally housed the black stones and statues of Pagan gods. Muhammad was the one who returned the shrine to the monotheism of Abraham. The black stone of the Kaaba is highly revered by the Muslims because it is believed to have been given the Abraham by the Angel Gabriel.  Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, this is a religious event that almost every Islam strives to achieve in their lifetime. Hajj is one of The Five Pillar...