• Daoism — based on Laozi’s teachings, this philosophy stressed living a simple life and respecting nature. Daoism became a religion with temples and priests, and taught people to improve society by understanding their place in nature. • Buddhism — this religion came from India and emphasised giving up material possessions to achieve enlightenment, offering hope for life after death. 10.8.3 Art and culture In Chinese culture, painting, poetry and calligraphy were called the ‘three perfections’. Artists aimed to express peace and beauty. Chinese art used symbols, such as the following: • The butterfly represented the human spirit or joy. • The chrysanthemum stood for courage. • The orchid symbolised purity. • The bamboo represented scholars. • The crane symbolised a long life and happiness.
SOURCE2 Huang Gongwang was the oldest of the four painters known as the Masters of the Yuan dynasty. This painting shows the Fuchun Mountains to which he retired after serving briefly in the Mongol administration.
With Kublai Khan’s encouragement, Chinese writers, painters and calligraphers recorded the history of the earlier Tang, Jin and Song dynasties. Although many Chinese artists agreed to work for their Mongol emperors, some expressed their true feelings about the Mongol occupation of China through art and literature. The most highly regarded painters of this period were known as the literati. These scholarly Chinese artists turned away from depicting everyday life in China and concentrated on painting landscapes. Rather than painting images designed to please their audience, they sought to depict nature as they experienced it, a practice that would influence generations of artists to come. 10.8.4 Visiting the court of Kublai Khan Kublai Khan’s palace was a vibrant place full of visitors from around the Mongol Empire and beyond its borders. The khan was attended by religious and political advisers, and encouraged the free exchange of ideas. Although the court was multicultural and was tolerant of its members practising different religions, it still had its share of conflict.
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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