Using specific examples from Ma Shichang’s article, “Buddhist cave-temples and the Cao Family at Mogao Ku,” class discussion, and your text, examine the various purposes of the caves as demonstrated by their decoration and the artifacts associated with them.

DISCUSSION

Choose TWO of the following prompts. Each essay should be three pages double spaced.

1. Consider the immense cave complex at Dunhuang. Discuss the significance of its location. How are the caves arranged within the complex? Who had them built? How were they constructed? What is the basic appearance of each cave outside and in? What was in the caves? What do we know of the artists? Using specific examples from Ma Shichang’s article, “Buddhist cave-temples and the Cao Family at Mogao Ku,” class discussion, and your text, examine the various purposes of the caves as demonstrated by their decoration and the artifacts associated with them.

2. During the course of our study of Chinese art and culture we have observed the existence of two categories of artists: professional/court artists and amateur/literati artists. Define each and discuss what they have in common and in what ways they are distinct. What are Xie He’s Canons of Painting and can they be applied to either category of artist? Then using specific examples from Ellen Johnston Laing’s “Qiu Ying’s Other Patrons,” class discussion, and your text, analyze the development of Chinese painting, including the patronage system, over time.