Analyzing Asian sculpture

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AP Art History › Analyzing Asian sculpture

Questions 1 - 3
1

Which other architectural element does The Gates bear resemblance to?

800px gates a

Japanese Torii gates

The Great Wall of China

Muqarnas in Islamic architecture

Art deco architectural style

Ionic columns

Explanation

The Gates bears a strong resemblance to Japanese Torii gates. They are often found at the entrance to Shinto shrines, and traditionally Japanese businessmen would buy them to pay tribute to the god Inari (the god of prosperity).

Fushimiinaritorii

Image accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The\_Gates#/media/File:FushimiInariTorii.jpg

Image accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The\_Gates#/media/File:Gates\_a.jpg

2

Which is NOT true of the Shiva Nataraja bronze sculptures from the Chola Dynasty?

Shiva is depicted symmetrically.

Shiva is surrounded by a ring of fire.

Shiva has four arms and two legs.

Shiva stomps on apasmara (symbol of illusion).

Shiva makes the "fear not" mudra.

Explanation

Shiva is depicted asymmetrically. Three hands gesture to his right while one hand gestures to his left. In addition, his left leg is raised to his right while his other leg is rooted firmly to the ground. Shiva's front left hand, which points to his raised left foot, signifies refuge for the troubled soul.

3

Screen shot 2016 02 02 at 1.34.49 pm

The structure is made out of which of the following materials?

Sandstone

Marble

Diorite

Schist

Clay

Explanation

Sandstone was one of the most easily obtainable building materials in the region and was often employed in works commissioned by Ashoka.

Image: Great Stupa at Sanchi commissioned by Emperor Ashoka, c. 300 BCE–100 CE. From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanchi#/media/File:Sanchi\_Stupa\_from\_Eastern\_gate,\_Madhya\_Pradesh.jpg.

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