How has the role of Chinese art changed from serving as a medium for religious and imperial purposes to being a form of personal expression and social commentary?
How did the Edo period influence the development of traditional Japanese art forms like Ukiyo-e and bonsai, and what themes were commonly depicted in these artworks?
What are the key characteristics of Japanese calligraphy (Shodo) and how does it differ from Chinese calligraphy in terms of technique, philosophy, and cultural significance?
How does Japanese contemporary art reflect the country's unique cultural identity, and who are some of the most influential Japanese contemporary artists today?
In what ways does Japanese garden design encapsulate principles of Zen Buddhism, and how are these principles reflected in the layout and elements of the gardens?
How did the Meiji Restoration impact the transition of Japan from traditional to modern art practices, and what role did western influences play in this transformation?
