Egypt and China History, Art and Architectural Comparisons (Research Paper Sample)

Egypt and China History, Art and Architectural Comparisons
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Egypt and China are nations in different continents, but like any country, they have experienced similar struggles to achieve the amount of development that runs the economy currently and makes them significant. The historical culture of China and Egypt differs regarding primary activities of sustenance but is similar concerning restrictive cultures that endure to modern times and are affecting development. The two nations explored art in the past but on different levels culminating in the growth of an industry, establishment of culture and utilization of resources available in their environments. Architecture in the historical period, strongly defined an area as it was founded on the economic activities, traditions, and beliefs as well as the secure positioning of the country. A comparison of ancient Egypt and China reflects essential historical aspects while depicting the nature of art and the emergence of architecture together with the growth perspective.
Firstly, ancient Egypt is suggested to have relied on agricultural activities for the creation of labor opportunities, sustenance of the population and the enhancement of infrastructure through trade. The political and economic framework of the nation in the past was fostered by the building of locations through farming activities as well as the ability to generate a surplus for wealth creation (Allen 2000). Egypt also thrived on the tourism sector before the establishment of the Suez Canal as Britons were becoming frequent guests in the region due to the religious affiliation of the area with Christianity. In the distribution of labor and social interactions, females were historically labeled as inferior to the males, and the bias took an elongated period to clear based on the high rate of acceptance of the practice. Banschikova (2006) ascertains that the treatment of women was entirely up to the males, but a wife bears the privilege of ending a union if she feels discontent with the maltreatment. The beliefs are a reflection of the low value of women as the happiness is considered secondary to that of their partners and the culture fails to emphasize on matters of mutual respect and understanding.
China is highlighted to be the fastest growing economy based on the culture of manufacturing and the economic support of the practice by the government together with increased exports. Gang & Daren (2018) reveal that the commercial nature of China in the past is similar to the present with trade and production coming off as the most significant activities promoting development in the region. Concerning the of flow of instructions and the maintenance of culture among the various groups. Ropp (2000) notes the disproportionate appropriation of resources in ancient China with females being objectified and negative attitudes expressed to their development as well as education. Opportunities for women in ancient times were limited, and this is reflected by the low level of writing shown by the females. Ancient Chinese religions encompassed Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhist which were observed by all cultures and practiced by many: most of the societies in the region are shaped by these.
Art and Architecture in Ancient China
Each group of Chinese settlers valued religious ceremonies and structures as well as the practice of core traditions at weddings and funerals which all involved the use of artistic skills. The temples served as the principal galleries of art, and all architectural skills were input in the making of these structures in ancient China. However, as time progressed, the society began to exploit the talents in art on the curving of tombstones as well as the decoration of funeral events and the grave. According to Hung (2015), tomb structures and funeral related art was essential as it replaced significant vessels significant in the activities and they also reflected a shift in a culture based on political issues in the decoration of temples. Chinese was mainly from stone and was affiliated with the region the artists emerged from, and the specific patterns were also relative to the dynasties. In some areas, bronze sculptures and vessels were popular with many of the artists showcasing skills in the making of the items used in ceremonies as well as holders for the many essential objects. Lost Wax Casting processes were embraced in the carving of the bronze items and in the decoration of the vessels in ancient China which were later transferred to production factories (Natis& Wang 2017). The ancient Song dynasty also used porcelain and wood to make pots and carvings like those of Buddha and paintings were also common in this era.
Ancient Chinese architecture encompassed a combination of processes that allowed for the establishment of lasting structures that reflect beauty, cultural aspects and old religious beliefs. The Shang Dynasty stands out as the core pillar of Chinese architecture with the inclusion of timberwork, stone carvings, earth materials and the making of high arch ceilings that were deemed essential in the community. Liu (2017) also notes the Qing dynasty whose architecture is defined by the bucket mouth construction style which is still relevant in the contemporary society. The Chinese designs are unique to the symmetrical courtyards with the main building as the central area with other essential rooms distributed equally to the left and right and decoration vessels in the middle. The windows in the Chinese structures were unique to the artist but also contained elements of the specific dynasty, but the ceilings were an opportunity of mounting art or expressing artistic expertise for the community (Liu 2017). Egyptian architecture and art encompassed the use of brushes, dyes, paper, stone carvings, precious metals like gold, silver, and Bronze as well as the use of clay.
Ancient Egypt Art and Architecture
Traditional Egypt art constitutes of elite individuals taking part in the making of structures which serve as the core memory of the classical eras as well as the exploration of talent in the region. The hieroglyphic form of writing was popular in the location and early years were carved in caves and stones as there was no available material for writing: the depictions represented essential messages in the Egyptian dynasties. Baines (2008) reveals that the use of art in Egypt was purely decorative but also involved the representation of significant figures in the societies. Similar to the Chinese community, art was explored in temples and funerary events with some notable persons being mummified as a means of art but also in trying to preserve their bodies. Schroeder (2015) highlights on the importance of art in ancient Egypt in differentiating classes of individuals in the society as the wealthy were the only ones involved in art as well as able to enjoy the benefits of the talent. Ancient Egypt also used art as a means of self-fulfillment for the individuals in different eras and areas but also preserved essential elements of culture. The existence of high-level trade in Egypt led t the acquisition of the Afghanistan stone, Apis Lazuli which is blue and beautiful and was used in the making of artifacts. Gold masks were existent in ancient Egypt as a form of art as well as a means of identifying mummies which were culturally significant in recognition of the face by the spirit of the preserved body (Abdel-Maksoud& El-Amin 2011). Ancient Egyptian art is founded on specific rules like the making of darker male sculptures compared to females with the heads of each curved or painted in a particular manner to portray a specific element. The sunken relief process was used in the making of most of the sculptures are significant of power structures in the various regions.
Architecture in ancient Egypt encompassed the use of sun-baked mudstones which were composed of limestone and granitic material professionally combined to make strong structures. Unlike China, Egypt experienced scarcity of timber, and therefore royal structures like the palace of rulers and princesses were made of brick and foundations from quarried stones, but flooding of the Nile killed many of the structure makers (Larkin 2003). Colors were an essential part of the making of structures with the hieroglyphics being used as decorations on the walls of the temples and other buildings. Pyramid architectures served as tombs but were also a significant reflection of the power position of the dynasty in question as they sought to signify the wealth and importance of the ruler (Larkin 2003). The ancient rulers in Egypt profoundly contributed to the formulation of Temples like in China; however, Egyptian architecture was precise and took an elongated period to complete. Bothmer (2004) reveals that the early architects used the skills in teaching new youths as well as in the development of new talent in their kingdom...