Why is nature so important in Asian art?
Nature is the measure of all things in Asia. From the dawn of civilization in India, China, Japan, and Korea, its forces have been recognized as powerful, exerting both benevolent and horrific force over man. In India, the Ganges River is fondly referred to as the Mother Ganges. In ancient China, the gods of the Yellow and Yangtze rivers were presented with prayers and offerings to prevent floods or drought. Eccentrically shaped rocks and bamboo symbolized the virtues of the Confucian scholar-gentleman who drew inspiration for painting from his well-tended garden and from journeys to majestic mountains. In Japan, stones were encircled with rope to designate a sacred dwelling for the kami, or nature spirit. In China, Daoism epitomized the harmonious relationship between man and the natural order. This philosophy taught that everything is embodied with Dao, or the Way-a life force that flows throughout the universe and is the source of existence. Daoism is based on two literary classics:
