Animals in Art: Signs, Symbols, and Significance. featuring the Asian Art collection of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

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1 Animals in Art: Signs, Symbols, and Significance featuring the Asian Art collection of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art Pair of Monkeys, Japanese, Muromachi Period ( ) Wood with traces of pigment and crystal eyes

2 In many Asian cultures, people believe that their lives are determined not by luck or hard work, but by the animal that hides in their hearts. Three Indian TerracoNa Household Animals: Ox, Dog, and Horse (used as toys or vosves) Prehistoric 300 CE

Jar with Dragons and Religious Personages Satsuma stoneware with signature of Fusan Year of the Dragon The Dragon Personality:

3 According to ancient beliefs, the hour, day, month, and year in which a person is born determines his future personality and character traits. Jar with Dragons and Religious Personages Satsuma stoneware with signature of Fusan Year of the Dragon The Dragon Personality: Dragons anract and enjoy anenson, and thrive in situasons that require acson. They do not like rousne. They put lots of energy into projects and interacsons, and are frequently impulsive. They usually create a ssr wherever they go. Photo by Mary Harrsch

4 In many Asian countries, people believe that animals can help humans. ParScular animals are honored and used for special purposes. For example, what words come to mind when you look at this bull? What are its characterisscs?

5 JIAOYI Chinese, 20th century Finger Pain*ng of Oxen, 1955 Ink on paper Bulls and oxen display great strength, determinason, and stability. It is no surprise that in Asian cultures bulls are symbolic of hard work, and slow and steady progress. They can be stubborn, and they will always defend what they believe is right.

6 Pair of Monkeys, Japanese , wood with traces of pigment Look carefully at this monkey. What do you nosce?

7 Pair of Monkeys, Japanese , wood with traces of pigment He is wearing human clothing - do you see his vest?

8 His crystal eye doesn t miss a thing.

9 One monkey has an open mouth, while the other monkey s mouth is closed. Why? The open mouth signifies the ah sound (also the first lener of the Sanskrit alphabet), and the closed mouth indicates an um - the last sound. Together they represent the beginning and end to all things.

10 Monkeys were sacred in the Shinto and Buddhist religions, and people believed they oaen helped gods and humans communicate with each other. This pair of hand- carved statues probably protected a shrine.

11 But not all monkeys are spiritual, responsible, and helpful! PainSng by an SBMA ArtVenture Camp student What words describe these monkeys at play?

Monkeys can also be smart, playful, and tricky. They fool people and other animals when they want to, or when they need to escape from a tough situason.

12 Monkeys can also be smart, playful, and tricky. They fool people and other animals when they want to, or when they need to escape from a tough situason. Monkeys and monkey- people love to chaner, and they can be very friendly. But watch out! They just might help themselves to one of your possessions when you aren t looking.

13 Lions are frequently featured in Asian art. Although they may seem to be lazy at Smes

14 when strangers approach, they quickly become alert and anensve!

15 What is this lion doing? How would you describe it? Within seconds, this lion can change posisons and aftudes and become Scratching Lion Chinese Tang dynasty CE earthenware Photo by Mary Harrsch

16 fierce and imposing! In China and Japan, it is common to place sculptures of lions outside of shrines, tombs, or front doors. Why would a lion be a good choice for these locasons? Pair of Guardian Lions Chinese, , Stone

17 What are some helpful characterisscs of lions? Pair of Guardian Lions Chinese, , Stone

18 Chinese guardian lions were always created in pairs, with the male ressng his paw upon the world and the female restraining a playful cub that is on its back. Lioness and Cub Chinese Tang dynasty Photo by Mary Harrsch

19 This Chinese paper cufng signifies the Year of the Dog. What does it mean if you are born under the sign of the dog? If you have dogs, then you know that they are alert, and good at sniffing out solusons to problems. Many people say that a dog is man s best friend. Why?

20 Dogs (and people born under the sign of the dog) are cheerful, honest, and loyal. They will stand by you when you need them. Detail Folding Screen depic<ng Spring Morning in the Han Palace Qing dynasty Kangxi Period Wood and clay core covered with lacquer China Photo by Mary Harrsch

21 Whether they are being fiercely protecsve

22 or sweet and lovable, people all over the world love their dogs because they are trustworthy and faithful companions.

23 This Japanese horse from the 6 th century seems to be frozen in Sme... Haniwa Horse s Head Japanese Late Kofun or Tumulus Period 6th Century

24 but look carefully at this Chinese horse. What do its acsons reveal about its personality? Do you sense its life force or Ch i? Standing Horse Chinese, Tang Dynasty ( ) Photo by Mary Harrsch

25 With its Slted head, raised foot, and wide- open eyes and nostrils, this Standing Horse appears to be alive and moving! Standing Horse Chinese, Tang Dynasty ( ) Photo by Mary Harrsch

Detail Folding Screen depic<ng Spring Morning in the Han Palace Qing dynasty Kangxi Period 1662-1722 Wood and clay core covered with lacquer China Horses and horse people

26 Detail Folding Screen depic<ng Spring Morning in the Han Palace Qing dynasty Kangxi Period Wood and clay core covered with lacquer China Horses and horse people usually don t care about senling down, but love to travel and be on the move. When they believe in something, they work hard at it, without keeping track of Sme or payment.

27 They are strong and fast, and oaen lively, energesc, and honest. If you expect them to do something they don t value, don t be surprised if they kick up their heels and gallop away to freedom! Roof Tile in the form of warrior on Horse Chinese Ming dynasty earthenware

28 Hundreds of years ago, a Chinese homeowner had this roof Sle of a lion- dog created to protect his home. He believed the powerful spirits of both these animals kept his family and possessions safe. Roof Tiles in the form of a reclining lion- dog Chinese Ming dynasty CE earthenware Photo by Mary Harrsch

29 Look closely at this vase. What creature is depicted in several different posisons? Vase Qing dynasty Qianlong mark and period 1795 CE China porcelain Photo by Mary Harrsch

30 Did you discover a stork? In ancient Asian cultures, the crane was believed to live for 1,000 years, and was therefore a symbol for a healthy, long life and great happiness. Detail, Vase Qing dynasty Qianlong mark and period 1795 CE China porcelain Photo by Mary Harrsch

31 Have you ever watched an egret hunt for its dinner? The egret stands very ssll for long periods of Sme before pouncing on its dinner.

32 In the Chinese culture, egrets and herons represent strength, purity, and pasence. Ohara SHŌSON (KOSON) Chinese Egrets, ca. 1930

33 Hollow Brick with Tigers and Bi Disk Funerary Architecture Element Chinese, early Eastern Han dynasty, (25 CE 220 CE), Xian region, earthenware, molded design Find the animal that is repeated in this carving. What is it, and what are its characterisscs?

Hollow Brick with Tigers and Bi Disk Funerary Architecture Element Chinese, early Eastern Han dynasty, (25 CE 220 CE), Xian region, earthenware, molded design Tigers are passionate and strong, and

34 Hollow Brick with Tigers and Bi Disk Funerary Architecture Element Chinese, early Eastern Han dynasty, (25 CE 220 CE), Xian region, earthenware, molded design Tigers are passionate and strong, and possess courage and strength. They love freedom and independence, and are oaen on the prowl for what they truly desire. Tigers know how to be pasent and stalk their prey, and they usually win in the end. Therefore, they are good leaders, and take bold leaps when the Sme is right.

35 Can you connect this stag with success in banle? Stags are fast, strong, and bold, and can anack their enemies with powerful antlers.

36 How would you feel about facing a soldier who wears this armor in banle? Perhaps the spirit of the stag will empower him to achieve victory over his adversaries. Armor with Helmet and Facemask Japanese, 19th century

These small figurines represent the animals featured in the Chinese Zodiac. They were honored in ancient households. Standing tall and straight, they are dressed in their ceremonial robes.

37 These small figurines represent the animals featured in the Chinese Zodiac. They were honored in ancient households. Standing tall and straight, they are dressed in their ceremonial robes. Rams and ram people dislike working under pressure. They are sure- footed and appreciate stability in their lives. Although they enjoy the company of others, they are oaen rather quiet and Smid. They are not afraid to climb to isolated places and live a solitary life at Smes. Twelve Zodiac Animals in Human Attire, Chinese, Northern dynasties-sui dynasty, 6th-7th century Gray earthenware with traces of pigment

Crows in Autumn, Kishi Chikudō, Japanese 1826-1897 Now it is your turn.

38 Crows in Autumn, Kishi Chikudō, Japanese Now it is your turn. Do you recognize this creature? What characterisscs does it have? How would you describe a crow- like person?

39 Mural created by students in SBMA s ArtVenture Camp Look for and think about animals in art; they appear as mascots, guardians, and powerful signs and symbols in many cultures. Art shows us what people around the world - in both ancient and modern Smes - honor, fear, believe, and celebrate.

40 Photographs by Joni Chancer, SBMA Program Consultant, unless otherwise indicated.

Totem Pole Activity Animal Symbol Description Alligator

Totem Pole Activity Animal Symbol Description Alligator Animal Symbol Description Alligator Maternal and vengeful Ant Group minded, patient, active, and industrious Antelope Active, agile, and willing to sacrifice Armadillo Safety oriented and cautious Badger