Question 1

During the Six Dynasties,Buddhism arrived in China.The oldest Chinese Buddhist texts describe Buddha as golden and radiating light.The Shakyamuni Buddha of the Six Dynasties is the first precisely datable Chinese Buddhist image.Which of the following is the medium used for this image?

Accepted Answer

The Shakyamuni Buddha of the Six Dynasties, which is the first precisely datable Chinese Buddhist image, was made using gilded bronze.

Question 2

In Shang bronze vessels,the external embellishment is an integral part of the vessel.Which of the following could also describe Shang bronze vessel work?

Accepted Answer

Shang bronze vessels typically featured multiple designs and fields that were fully integrated with the overall vessel form. These designs were often highly detailed and depicted a wide range of subjects, including animals, human figures, geometric patterns, and abstract motifs. The external embellishment was not just a decorative element but an important aspect of the vessel's overall design and meaning.

Question 3

Yan Liben's The Thirteen Emperors depicts thirteen Chinese rulers from the Han to the Sui dynasties.Its purpose was to portray these individuals as exemplars of moral and political virtue.Which of the following would explain this role of moral and political virtue?

Accepted Answer

The Confucian ideal of learning from the past emphasized the importance of studying historical figures as exemplars of moral and political virtue in order to improve oneself and one's society. This aligns with the purpose of Yan Liben's painting, which aimed to portray the thirteen emperors as moral and political role models.

Question 4

The Buddhist monument at Seokguram was constructed under the supervision of Kim Tae-song,a member of the royal family and prime minister.He initiated the construction to honor his parents.It is also thought this was a private chapel for royalty.Which of the following would support this statement?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Buddhist monument at Seokguram was constructed...

Question 5

In addition to his work on the Great Wall,the Qin ruler Shi Huangdi,the first emperor of China,is remembered in art history for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Shi Huangdi commissioned an army of life-sized ceramic and bronze warriors and horses for his tomb at Lintong. This collection is known as the Terracotta Army and is considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Question 6

How does Fan Kuan reflect the Daoist sensitivity of individuality in Travelers among Mountains and Streams?

Accepted Answer

Fan Kuan's Travelers among Mountains and Streams reflects the Daoist sensitivity of individuality by focusing on the natural world while minimizing the human element. The painting depicts a grand and majestic mountain landscape, with small human figures barely visible in the foreground. The emphasis on the mountains highlights the Daoist belief in the power and beauty of nature, while the limited focus on the human element reinforces the Daoist idea that individuals should seek to become one with nature and minimize their own ego and desires. Therefore, the best answer is C.

Question 7

The Great Wall of China was constructed as a defense against the nomadic peoples of the north,in particular the ____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Great Wall of China was constructed...

Question 8

One of the most important tasks of the Chinese artist was which of the following?

Accepted Answer

In traditional Chinese art, the artist was seen as a conduit through which nature could reveal its beauty and harmony. The goal was not to impose the artist's individuality on the artwork but rather to capture the essence of nature in a way that was both truthful and harmonious. This approach was rooted in Taoist and Confucian philosophy, which emphasized the importance of balance and harmony in all aspects of life. Therefore, the most important task of the Chinese artist was to serve as an instrument through which nature could reveal itself.

Question 9

The Yangshao Culture is recognized for its ____.

Accepted Answer

The Yangshao Culture is known for its distinct pottery style, including painted pottery, black pottery, and unpainted pottery.

Question 10

Chan Buddhism gained gradual importance under the Song emperors.The basic tenet of this school is the cultivation of mind and spirit in order to break through the illusions of ordinary reality.Which of the following is the vehicle used in order to achieve this breakthrough to enlightenment?

Accepted Answer

The vehicle used to achieve the breakthrough to enlightenment in Chan Buddhism is meditation.

Question 11

The leading philosophy that flourished during the Southern Song period was a blend of traditional Chinese thought and selected Buddhist concepts.What was this philosophy called?

Accepted Answer

The leading philosophy that flourished during the Southern Song period was Neo-Confucianism, which blended traditional Chinese thought and selected Buddhist concepts.

Question 12

The broad range of subject matter,such as musicians on camel or Semitic traders,can be found in the ceramic figural tradition of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The broad range of subject matter in the ceramic figural tradition, such as musicians on camel or Semitic traders, is typical of the Tang dynasty.

Question 13

Bronze ritual vessels were most characteristic of the artistic expression of which period?

Accepted Answer

Bronze ritual vessels were a major feature of the art of the Shang dynasty in ancient China. These vessels were used for various religious and secular functions, and were decorated with intricate designs and inscriptions that reflected the beliefs and values of Shang society. The Shang dynasty was one of the earliest and most important dynasties in Chinese history, and its art and culture were highly influential in shaping later Chinese artistic traditions.

Question 14

During the 1928 excavations at Anyang,fragmentary records and a large number of goods that provided information regarding their rulers were discovered.Included among the discoveries were pounded earthen walls that provided protection for the city.Which of the following was also learned as a consequence of this excavation and discovery?

Accepted Answer

The discovery of pounded earthen walls indicates a warlike society, and the large number of goods found suggests a highly stratified society with distinct classes of rulers and common people. No information was found indicating the extent of Xia dynasty's power, commitment to nationwide unification, or establishing diplomatic relations with Japan.

Question 15

Emperor Huizong,an accomplished artist,was more interested in the arts than in governing.He reorganized the imperial academy of painting and required the study of poetry and calligraphy as part of the official training program for court artists.Which of the following would also be included in the curriculum?

Accepted Answer

Emperor Huizong's focus on the arts suggests that he would prioritize the study of classical art, which would help to contextualize and inspire contemporary works. Options A and D deal with military and governance matters, respectively, which are less important to artistic training. Option B is less relevant because it pertains to a foreign culture, rather than the rich artistic heritage of China itself.

Question 16

Many Shang bronze vessels were used for rituals,and the shape of the vessel matched its function in the ritual.Therefore,it can be said that the fabulous animal shape is not purely decorative.Which of the following supports this statement?

Accepted Answer

This choice states that each animal shape connected with the world of spirits in the ritual, which shows that the animal shape was not merely decorative but also had a functional purpose in the ritual. Choices A, C, and D do not directly support the statement that the animal shape was not purely decorative.

Question 17

The Hwangnam-dong crown with its gold band and uprights,and jade comma-shaped pieces,is thought to symbolize which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The Hwangnam-dong crown is believed to symbolize life and supernatural power with its gold band and uprights, and jade comma-shaped pieces.

Question 18

One of the scenes from the Wu family shrine shows robed men bearing gifts and paying homage to a figure,identity uncertain.This figure is represented as larger than the other figures.What can be interpreted from this image?

Accepted Answer

The fact that the figure is represented as larger than the other figures suggests that he is more important. The uncertain identity does not necessarily diminish his importance.

Question 19

It can be said that China's neighbors owe an immense debt to China.Which country provided the link between China and Japan?

Accepted Answer

Korea served as the bridge of cultural exchange between China and Japan. Buddhism, Confucianism, and Chinese writing were all transmitted to Japan through Korea. Therefore, China's neighbors, especially Japan, owe a debt of gratitude to Korea for facilitating this cultural transmission.

Question 20

Which of the following is characteristic of the Han pictorial style?

Accepted Answer

The Han pictorial style is known for its emphasis on rounded forms with rhythmic contours, which is evident in many of their artworks. Gold leaf backgrounds were a characteristic of Japanese art and not specifically Han. Floral motifs were present in Han art, so option C is incorrect. The use of linear perspective devices was not a feature of Han art.

Quiz 16: China and Korea to 1279