Transcript Revealing Asia

A Photo
TITLEExhibit
SLIDE of
China, South Korea, India
and Japan
by
Dr. Jessica Stowell and Mrs. Kay Miller
1
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2
PHOTOGRAPH EXHIBITION
CHINA
China the land of ancient
wisdom.
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3
CREEPING DRAGON
The Great Wall snakes its way
across northern China undulating,
clawing, and devouring any in its
path. 2000 years ago the Emperor
Qin ordered the walls of the
warlords connected to keep out the
barbarians from the North. It
consumed hundreds of thousands
of workers who are buried in or
near the wall. Wide enough to
accommodate 6 horses abreast
pulling a chariot, the wall is
glorious and repugnant as a
dragon.

Dr. Jessica Stowell
4
A GATE TO TRANQUILITY
The circle represents private
space, informality, peace, while the
square represents public space,
formality, activity. As one passes
from a square courtyard through a
round moon gate into a home or
garden, peace and privacy should
ensue. You might notice that
some Chinese restaurants have a
moon gate to the dining room--as
you pass through you are to relax
and enjoy your meal.

Dr. Jessica Stowell
5
LITTLE EMPEROR
Children (yes, even girls) are
treasured by their families. The one
child policy in China has been a
hardship for a Confucian society
which holds the premise that a house
full of children is ideal. Heavy
expectations are placed upon the one
child; likewise the only children have
the full attention of 2 parents and 4
grandparents, creating more spoiling,
but self confidence. This little girl
was accompanied by her two grandmothers who asked me to take her
picture. The confidence and delight
in her eyes represent the new China.

Dr. Jessica Stowell
6
STONE SENTINEL
Guarding the past while looking
to the future, this sentinel stands
near the grave of Confucius, who
wielded pervasive influence on
Chinese society. Teaching that
education was all important, that a
hierarchy of respect was essential
for society to operate smoothly,
that we should talk less and listen
more, Confucian thought has
ordered East Asian cultures for
over 2000 years and may be an
essential philosophy to carry us
into the 21st century.

Dr. Jessica Stowell
7
TO BE IS ENOUGH
The Asian view of being rather
than incessantly doing lends a
peaceful air to the society. Even on
an incredibly crowded street, one
can feel a certain calm among the
people. This attitude gives
permission for a post lunch nap
when the weather is hot.

Dr. Jessica Stowell
8
A STORY
UNFOLDS
The story of a people is told in the needlework of its women: the Hmong
embroidery illustrating the wars, the European tapestry coats of arms, the tapa
cloths of the islands, and certainly quilts. During the Spring Festival these lucky
symbols are traditionally placed on farmers’ windows which are made of paper.
They are replicated here by the wives of the farmers in Hu County where farmers’
folk painting is a tradition.
 Dr. Jessica Stowell
9
FAMILY
AS
FOUNDATI
ON
FAMILY AS A
FOUNDATION
The Confucian ideal of respect for one’s parents, and the parents’ care for children
is firmly in place 2300 years after Confucius’ death. The Chinese society (and that
of East Asia) is firmly rooted in the family model. Confucian wisdom relates that if
the family is right the community will be right, if the community is right then the
 Dr. Jessica Stowell
state will be right, if the state is right, then the nation will be right .
10
RISING
HOPE
RISING HOPE
Incense smoke represents the prayers wafting to heaven; more incense,
more smoke, therefore more prayers. One can purchase a long burning
coil such as these to hang in the temple for days. Much of China smells of
fragrant incense hanging in the air.
 Dr. Jessica Stowell
11
INGENUITY
When a storefront is beyond your means, the back of a cycle does nicely.
This scroll seller displays not only merchandise but a true ingenuity of
character which is typical of the Chinese people. Services from bicycle repair
to acupuncture can be seen on sidewalks of the cities and villages. Space may
be limited, but perseverance and ingenuity are unlimited.
 Dr. Jessica Stowell
12
LUNCH
BREAK
Hardship permeates Chinese society, counterbalanced by a determination unknown to the West. These primitive tools bespeak the tenacity of
the user who stopped for lunch in the blistering heat while his shirt,
shoes, and mop dried out.
 Dr. Jessica Stowell
13
Interactive Action
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14
PHOTOGRAPH EXHIBITION
INDIA
India the land of infinite
variety.
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15
GOLDEN ENIGMA
A shining gilded dome and vivid
prayer flags identify
Swayambhunath, famous the world
over as “The Monkey Temple.”
Dying animals, deformed beggars,
and pilgrims lie prostrate in the
filth left by the people and monkeys
who live there.

Mrs. Kay Miller
16
A
THOUSAND
VESSELS
In Bhaktapur, a city just east of Kathmandu, families which once
belonged to the potter’s caste dry their wares in the sun of Potter’s
Square, just as their ancestors have done for centuries. Though caste
has been officially abolished, old traditions continue to shape the lives of
many people.
 Mrs. Kay Miller
17
RELEASE
The image of reclining Buddha, which depicts Buddha at the moment of
his death and enlightenment, is familiar throughout Asia. Reflecting the
peace for which people of all religions long, this face of a twenty three foot
long reclining figure was carved in solid rock in a cave at Ajanta some two
centuries before the birth of Christ.
 Mrs. Kay Miller
18
REFLECTION
OF
GRANDEUR
The brilliant white marble of the Taj Mahal, shimmers in the reflecting
pool at the foot of the monument. Built by the Mughal emperor Shah
Jehan to memorialize his beloved wife, the Taj symbolizes the grandeur,
mystery, and romance of one of the most resplendent periods of Indian
history.
 Mrs. Kay Miller
19
BOMBAY LAUNDROMAT
The dhobis--laundry men--ply
their trade in the city of Bombay.
Drying clothes stretch for miles,
hung on lines or simply spread
out on bushes or the ground.
The scene--like all of Indian
society--seems chaotic on the
surface. However, each item is
returned to its owner at the end
of the day.

Mrs. Kay Miller
20
FRUGAL
CELEBRATION
In a nation with a population of over 900 million--second largest in the
world--people must utilize every resource. A stack of cow dung provides
the fuel to roast eggplant for the evening meal of this family gathered
around a small fire to celebrate a festival.

Mrs. Kay Miller
21
SUPPLICATION
Anguish and fatigue visible in
her posture, this woman
represents thousands of beggars
throughout India.

Mrs. Kay Miller
22
A WORLD
OF COLOR
Drying in the summer sun of Tamil Nadu, bright silk thread stretches
for miles across the countryside. Soon it will be woven into the colorful
cloth for which the region is famous. The area, also known for its ancient
temples, is but a single golden strand in the brilliant design of India’s
fabric.
 Mrs. Kay Miller
23
THE FABRIC
OF LIFE
Epitomizing the kind of cottage industry that Gandhi envisioned at the
heart of free India’s economy, this weaver sits every day in a shallow dirt
pit in his home and creates the ancient patterns of a madras plaid.

Mrs. Kay Miller
24
A CLENCHED FIST
The clenched fist and fierce
expression of this man, sitting
quietly outside a village restaurant
in India, suggest the tension that
exists in a land which has been
conquered by numerous external
forces and is subject to much
internal political and religious
strife.

Mrs. Kay Miller
25
Interactive Action
End of India exhibit:
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26
PHOTOGRAPH EXHIBITION
JAPAN
Japan the land of the
rising sun.
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27
HOLY GATE
Large or small, elaborate or plain, a torii gate stands at every Shinto
shrine marking the entrance to sacred space. This one, which seems to
float in the water at Miyajima Island, is a spectacular icon of Japanese
culture.

Mrs. Kay Miller
28
HOME OF
MANY
GODS
A straw rope, a Shinto symbol that identifies the tree as sacred dwelling
place of Kami, encircles this ancient Ginko tree which stands in the yard
of a Buddhist Temple. Just as the two religions coexist in this setting, so
they combine in the lives of many Japanese.

Mrs. Kay Miller
29
EUMENICAL
OFFERING
Further evidence of the mingling of Buddhism and Shinto is this prayer
paper which was tied to the sacred tree. As Buddhist worshippers leave a
temple, they may purchase a printed oracle to predict the future. After it
has been read, the oracle is often twisted and tied around a twig--a
petition if the prophecy is good, a safeguard if it is poor.
 Mrs. Kay Miller
30
EVERYDAY
ART
In Japan, a country of exquisite landscape and architecture, the simple
curve of a roof delights the eye and a decorative ornament is a work of
art.

Mrs. Kay Miller
31
GARDEN OF
IMAGINATION
Many visitors are puzzled by the emptiness of a Zen garden such as this
one in Kyoto. By viewing the garden, composed only of space and stones,
an outsider may better understand the simple and austere lifestyle of
those who practice Zen Buddhism and who believe that only such
emptiness allows one to find the meaning within him or herself.  Mrs. Kay Miller
32
ONE GOD
A source of confusion for some Westerners in the fact that many
Japanese deities are known by several names. This figure represents
Binzuru, who is also called Bhaisajyagu, Yakushi Nyorai, and Pindola. No
matter what he is called, he is always recognized as the healing Buddha.

Mrs. Kay Miller
33
SOLITARY
LANTERN
In the twilight rain, the sight of a solitary lantern standing beside a
deserted path evokes a melancholy sigh. The Japanese call this feeling
mono no aware. Difficult to translate, the term has sometimes been
defined as “the ah-ness of things.”

Mrs. Kay Miller
34
THE
SHOGUN’S
SAKE
Barrels of sake line the passageways at Toshogu Jinja, which houses the
tomb of Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa Shogun. In contrast to the immensely
ornate shrine, the natural pattern of the stacked barrels and calligraphy
reminds the visitor that ordinarily the Japanese aesthetic cherishes
simplicity and artlessness.
 Mrs. Kay Miller
35
WAITING
PLACE
Although they may see no paradox in following Buddhism, Shinto, and
Confucianism in life, most Japanese are buried as Buddhists. Mist shrouds the
mountains behind these tombstones near the gate of the cemetery at Koyasan, site
of the mausoleum of Kukai, who, according to legend, brought Buddhism from
China to Japan in 816 and now waits in deep meditation for the coming of the
 Mrs. Kay Miller
Buddha of the future.
36
WHAT THE
WORLD
NEEDS
NOW
The languages of two nations--once fierce enemies in war--today combine in a
universal prayer.

Mrs. Kay Miller
37
Interactive Action
End of Japan exhibit:
To return to the main menu, click here
To advance to the South Korea presentation click here
To branch to the ending slides, click here
38
PHOTOGRAPH EXHIBITION
KOREA
South Korea the land of
morning calm.
To view the Korea exhibition, press the
down- arrow key on your keyboard.
39
UNCARVED BLOCK
Asian aesthetic reveres untampered nature; the importance of
this crag is revealed through the
pedestal and the worn path
around it. The “scholars rocks”
were sought to grace the gardens
of the wealthy, even enhancing
the meditation process. Recent
research has shown that some of
the rocks used in gardens a
millennium ago may have been
altered by filing and drilling to
look unique.
.

Dr. Jessica Stowell
40
HETAE AND FRIEND
Hetae, palace guardians, solidly
stand for the past while the future
rides on the back. Korea has an
incredible future as 25% of the
population is under 20. But even
the young are firmly rooted in the
past as all Confucian societies find
sustenance in their history.

Dr. Jessica Stowell
41
DELIGHTFUL STUPA
Brilliant color, a part of the
culture, enlivens the somber
nature of a temple courtyard.
Stupas, memorials to the departed,
are found in varied forms all over
Asia. This multi-storied Buddhist
tower stands among lanterns
added for a special celebration.

Dr. Jessica Stowell
42
MR. AND
MRS.
CHONSON
Appearing at village gates, guardian chonson reflect the shamanistic beliefs of
part of the Korean people who have no difficulty combining shamanism with
Buddhism, or Christianity. While these chonson are stone, wood is also used; the
wooden chonson have a prescribed ritual for their creation. Only chosen villagers
may cut the trees and carve the figures which must be finished before nightfall on
 Dr. Jessica Stowell
one day.
43
WE STAND
TOGETHER
Buddhist priests and nuns stand united as they witness a statue
unveiling ceremony at Heinsa Temple. The firm foundation of Buddhism
supports this culture, while the unity of purpose and attitude takes
Korea forward.
 Dr. Jessica Stowell
44
A GATE TO KNOWLEDGE
In a Secret Garden (Piwan) in
Seoul reposes a library where
scholars came to learn Confucian
Classics and to take the Imperial
Examinations which secured
government posts and reflected
honor on their families. This is the
gate through which they passed to
the library above; the ancient
juniper trunk (possibly 2000 years
old) indicates a contorted route to
learning.

Dr. Jessica Stowell
45
ALL A
SCHOLAR
COULD
WANT
The necessities for the learned are displayed in this calligraphy supply shop in
Seoul. An array of brushes, ink sticks, brush holders, chops (signature seals),
water droppers, and paper tempts passersby who can’t miss the oversize brush.
Calligraphy unites the three art forms of writing, poetry, and painting. The bicycle
 Dr. Jessica Stowell
is the ideal transportation to reach this palace of erudition.
46
NO DETAIL TOO SMALL
Assiduous work is a hallmark of
South Korean culture. This eave
bracket carved and painted in
traditional style might have been
created 800 years ago or last year.
The level of craft is so high and
exacting that the buildings
become works of art.

Dr. Jessica Stowell
47
GATE OF
VICTORY
AND
TREASURE
Names for gates, courtyards, pavilions, houses, rooms, abound in Asia. This Heinsa Temple gate
proclaims victory that the treasure within (1,200 wood blocks containing the Buddhist Scripture)
are housed here after being carved a second time after the Mongols destroyed the first set in the
1200s.

Dr. Jessica Stowell
48
PRAYER
ROCKS
Nature is revered as even a tiny rock can represent a prayer. These
carefully balanced stacks of small rocks on a wooded trail at Heinsa
Temple speak of the meditative spirit that created the delicate balance.

Dr. Jessica Stowell
49