Lesson 4

The Arts of Pakistan

Learning Targets
At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to
1. identify the arts of Pakistan;
2. describe the distinguishing characteristics of the arts of Pakistan;
3. trace the cultural history and outside influences of Pakistani arts;
4. analyze the arts of Pakistan through the elements and principles of
arts;
5. create artworks inspired by Pakistani techniques.

Get

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is surrounded by India at the east,

Afghanistan at the west, Iran at the southwest, and China at the
northeast. It is home to several ancient cultures, including the Indus
Valley Civilization of the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.

Pakistan's society consists of many ethnic groups. Its culture has been
influenced by its neighbors, namely, Afghanistan, China, Turkey, and
India. However, it has developed a distinct Islamic identity of its own.

Attire

The national attire of men and women is the shalwar or

salwarkameez (baggy pants and long shirt). The men wear a kurta
(shirt), waistcoats, and pajamas; and the women, blouses and ghararas
(a loose skirt). The dupatta is an essential part of the shalwarkameez. It is
an embroidered scarf wrapped around the neck or hung down the
shoulder. Pakistani footwear, called khussa chapel and kalapari, are
made of handcrafted leather or textile, printed, embroidered or
beaded.

Fabrics and Tapestries

The country produces high quality textiles such as cotton, silk, wool,
and jute. It also makes woven shawls that come in a variety of colors
and patterns. They are made
or of shoulders silk, tapestries. cotton, but also wool, used cashmere, as
sashes. and pashmina. They are also They used are not as traditional
only draped wall around hangings or tapestries.
 The skydrak is a tapestry made by the nomadic people. It is made of
felt with handstitched patterns and distinctive borders, forming a quilt-
like mosaic of interlocking patterns.

The carpets of Pakistan are divided into two types: Mori and Persian
carpets. They have patterns that are copied from older traditions or
inspired from Caucasian designs.

Crafts and Arts

The arts and crafts of Pakistan date back to the Indus Valley
Civilization. They are known for their intricate craftsmanship. The
following are the major crafts of Pakistan:

1. Wall Calligraphy
Wall calligraphy is an art form that holds a special religious and social
importance. It is used to decorate mosques and to express religious
messages.

2. Pottery
The pottery in Pakistan is known for
painted terracotta and blue and white
ceramics called Blue Kashi. This craft was
influenced by the Chinese.

3. Camel Skin Lamp

The camel skin lamp is also called nagashi. It is
considered as another Mughal legacy.

4. Salt Lamp
The salt lamp is considered as another unique craft made from salt
crystals. It is known for its health benefits and it is being exported around
the world.

5. Bangles
The bangles of Pakistan are colorful
bracelet bands that are popular
worldwide.

6. Truck Art
Truck art is a popular and colorful art done on public vehicles similar
to our jeepney art.

7. Copperware
 Copperware produces objects that are used for decorative and
other ornamental purposes.

8.Tile Work
Tile work in Pakistan produces colored and patterned tiles. It is
considered as another Mughal legacy.

9.Marble Work
Marble work is a by-product of the huge resources of marble in the
country.

10.Woodcraft
This craft is considered as an ancient Mughal heritage.

Accessories and Body Ornaments

It is customary for Pakistani women to wear ornaments in ensembles,

matching pieces for every part of the body-ears, neck, wrists, feet, etc.
A woman seen without ornaments is considered strange or unusual. The
common items are neck collars, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and
anklets. Gold and silver are the choice for folk jewelry. Most of them
bear geometric motifs.

Architecture

The style and the form of Pakistan's architecture spanned several time
periods from the beginning of the Indus Valley Civilization around 3000
B.C. The Gandhara style that followed was Buddhist with elements
borrowed from ancient Greece. The arrival of Islam during the 8th
century ended Buddhist architecture. A smooth from Buddhist to Islamic
style occurred.

The early mosques were built with decorations in the Arab style. Later,
the style took over. The main feature of this style was the /wan, a
rectangular hall space, walled on three sides with one end entirely
open. Other features were prayer halls and round domes with mosaic
and geometric patterns and painted tiles.

The British Colonial Period (1858-1947) developed a combination of

and Indo-Islamic components.

Today, Pakistan is keeping up with the times. There are several

contemporary high-rise buildings that have been completed or under
construction. The urban landscape of Pakistan is changing.

Sculpture
 Sculptures of all sizes in stone and bronze dating around the 2nd and
1st centuries B.C. were found in the regions of northern Pakistan and
Afghanistan. Later, sculpture became more complex, representing
episodes of Buddha's life and teachings through the techniques and
styles brought by foreign influences.

Today, sculptural works are done in various materials from the

traditional wood, stone, and bronze, to the contemporary, concrete,
steel, and fiberglass. They come in various sizes, from small items that
can be set on a shelf to giant monuments in public areas. Subjects
range from traditional figures to geometric representations of living
things.

Get into Action

Activity I
Painted Pottery

Study various patterns used in Pakistani pottery; then, make several

sketches of your own pottery design based on the researched patterns.
Transfer your best design on a bowl or a plate. You can use latex or
enamel paint but blue acrylic must be used. Let it dry in a safe and
warm place. Once the pot is already dry, you can use it as a decorative
item.
Activity 2
Artistic Vehicles

Compare and contrast the Pakistani truck art with our own jeepney
art. Print pictures and point out the similarities and differences in terms of
design, themes, and consistency.

A Quick Glimpse

Pakistan is an Islamic nation that traces its history from the Neolithic
and Bronze Ages. It has a rich culture that has been influenced by
Afghanistan, China, India, and Turkey. In due time, it developed its own
distinctive style and identity. Some of the crafts of Pakistan are similar to
those of its neighbors, but the unique ones are camel skin lamps, salt
lamps, and truck art.
Lesson 5
The Arts of Tibet
Learning Targets
At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to
1. identify the arts of Tibet;
2. describe the distinguishing characteristics of the arts of Tibet;
3. trace the cultural history and outside influences of Tibetan arts;
4. analyze the arts of Tibet through the elements and principles of
arts;
5. create artworks inspired by Tibetan techniques.

Get

Tibet is a region nestling on the Himalayan Mountains. It is the highest

region on earth and is often called the "roof of the world". The neighbors
of Tibet are India Nepal, Bhutan, and China.

Tibet was ruled by numerous dynasties and empires until 1950 when
communist china invaded the country. It was incorporated into the
People's Republic of China In1959, the Dalai Lama fled to India and
established a government in exile. Today, the region is called the Tibet
Autonomous Region. Despite numerous influences, the country has
maintained its own culture, its language, religion, and political system.
The prominent religion is Tibetan Buddhism. It has a strong influence on
its arts.

Attire

The national attire for both men and

women is called chuba. A chuba is an ankle
length, long-sleeved robe tied around the
waist by a long sash. Its upper part when
folded up becomes a pocket for everything
from money to bowls. When a Tibetan
woman is already married, she wears a
colorful striped apron called pangden.

Fabrics and Tapestries

 Tibetans use canvas, corduroy, velvet, leather, felt, silk and cotton
clothes. These textiles are woven in colorful geometric and floral
patterns. Yak wool, scarves, and
shawls are handwoven by the nomadic tribes. Tibetans often wear
layered woolen clothes because of the harsh cold weather in the
country.

Silk brocades are handwoven

and exported to foreign countries.
They come in various floral patterns.
Tibetans wear two kinds of clothes: for
festivals and for everyday wear. Summer
clothes are an example of Tibetan made of
cotton and silk while wool is used for winter
clothes.

A thanka is a kind of Tibetan tapestry. It is a

Buddhist painting on cotton or silk with appliqu’es
depicting a Buddhist scene, deity or a mandala. It
is used for personal meditation or as an
instructional material for monastic students.

Arts and Crafts

The arts and crafts of Tibet are original and untouched. It is not
influenced by Western styles and traditions. Painting is the most popular
medium. It shows the people's way of life and strong belief in Buddhism.
Paintings are done on buildings, temples, and monasteries. They are also
done on mountain cliffs and ceilings of temples (frescoes).

1. Carpets/Rugs
The carpets and rugs are made of wool and used on floors as well as
wall hangings and saddles. They are also used as seating rugs.

2. Quilts
Quilts are made of local wool. These are designed to be soft, warm,
and durable.

3. Woodblock Prints
This craft traces back to ancient times. The historically famous prints of
the 12 deeds of Buddha have been created, using this craft.

4. Thangka
It is painting on silk with embroidery.
5. Pottery
Tibetan pottery has a 5000 year history. It is used
not only for household purposes but also for
religious rites.

6. Masks
Mask making can be traced back to the
6th century when masks were used for ritual
ceremonies. Now, they are used as props for
Tibetan operas.

7. Knives
Knives are used as accessories and for
protection. The handles are decorated with
carvings.

8. Amulets
Amulets are protective talismans. They are
worn around the neck essentially by
women.

9. Prayer Flags
Prayer flags in Tibet are hand-inked and hand painted. These colorful
flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom.

Accessories and Body Ornaments

Jewelry play an important role in Tibet. They are worn by Tibetans not
only to beautify them but also to indicate social status. They could also
serve as amulets and as a means of investment.

Architecture

Tibet's architecture reflects a deeply Buddhist impression but it has

distinct features because it adapts to its climatic conditions- a cold, arid,
and high-altitude plateau. It bears the influences of Nepal, China, and
India. Buildings are made of locally available materials which are a
mixture of rocks, wood, cement, and earth. They are embellished with
symbols of Tibetan's Buddhism.

1. Residential Structures
Private homes often have prayer flags on rooftops. The house usually has
two floors; the first floor is for livestock and the upper floor is for the living
quarters of the family.

2. Religious Structures

Religious structures such as temples (gomnpas) show a variety of styles

stupas (chortens), house relics, and symbols. Houses and monastries
elevated with many sides facing south. They usually have flat roofs to
conserve heat and to remove snow easily. Walls slant inwards at 10
degrees to safeguard against earthquakes.

3. Potala Palace

Of all the buildings in Tibet, the Potala

Palace in Lhasa, is considered the most
important of Tibetan architecture. It
was the former residence and the
administrative quarters of the Dalai
Lama until he fled to India in 1959. The
palace has thirteen stories and over a
thousand rooms. It has many chapels,
shrines, and Buddhist sculptures.
Sculpture

Sculpture, like painting, is mostly religious in nature. Most of the

subjects are of Buddha or Buddhist deities. It is made mainly for Buddhist
meditation. It comes in a variety of sizes, from small figurines to more
than life-sized statues. Materials vary from metals like copper, bronze,
brass, and expensive gilt-silver statues with goldpainted faces. There are
also stone and rock carvings everywhere with images of animal and
human figures, gods, plants, buildings, etc.

1. Butter Sculpture

Tibetan butter sculpture is also known as isyak. It is a unique sculpture

found only in Tibet. The butter is molded, not carved, and is dyed before
use.

2. Tsha Tsha

Another unique sculpture is the

tsha tsha, a clay figurine featuring the
image of Buddha or Buddhist
deities. Tsha Tsha is a clay that is
molded, then dried or fired in a kiln.
Sometimes it is painted or it is
imbedded with precious stones
such as pearl, agate, etc. The tsha
tsha is viewed as small stupas or amulets.
 Get into

Activity I
Prayer Flags

Research further on the prayer flags of Tibet, focusing on the

inscriptions and specific mantras printed on the flags. Afterwards, create
your own Filipino prayer flag.

Activity 2
Research Work
A. Butter Sculpture

Research on the current state of butter sculpture in Tibet and the

effects of global warming in the craft. Consider also the given questions
for your research.

1. How profitable is the butter sculpture for the Tibetans?

2. What is the relation of this craft in the culture of Tibet?

B. Tibetan monasteries

Write a comparative report regarding the designs of two well-known

Tibetan monasteries. Use the elements of art and principles of design to
analyze and compare the designs. Include photographs to support your
ideas.

A Quick Glimpse

Tibet is an ancient region that traces its history 4000 years ago. It is the
highest region on earth with Mt. Everest as its highest elevation. It was
ruled by empires and dynasties until China occupied it in 1950. It is now
called the Tibet Region incorporated into the People's Republic of
China.

Nevertheless, Tibet has maintained rich culture, its language, the

Buddhist and its arts and crafts. The arts and crafts of Tibet are stone and
rock art, silk carpet/rug making, woodblock prints, quilts, silver
ornaments, jewelry, masks, knives, prayer flags, and amulets.
Lesson 6
The Arts of Iran
Learning Targets
At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to
1. the identify end of the arts of Iran;
2. describe the distinguishing characteristics of the arts of Iran
3. analyze the arts of Iran through the elements and principles of arts
4. create artworks inspired by Iranian techniques

Get

Iran, formerly called Persia, is an Islamic nation on the Persian

Gulf. It is bordered the north by the Caspian Sea, Russia, and Armenia,
on the south by the Persian Gulf, on the east by Afghanistan, and on the
west by Iraq. It is one of the oldest civilizations of the world dating back
to 7000 B.C. Iran possesses one of the richest t heritages of the world,
because of its long continuous history. Iran has also been influenced by
its neighboring countries.

Attire

Iranian clothing is largely influenced by the Islamic dress code. Western

clothing is acceptable in private but not in public; women are
requested to cover everything, except their face, hands, and feet. The
headscarf is called a roo-sore; and a coat, roo-posh. Women are
allowed to wear jeans. The dress code for men is easier. Men can wear
Western clothes but shorts or quarter-length pants are worn only on
beaches.

Fabrics and Tapestries

Textile production in Iran dates back to ancient times and Persian

weavers have been noted to be masters of their craft. Raw materials
such as silk, cotton, wool, and are widely available to produce fabrics.
Wool production is large and most of its is used by the handmade
carpet industry.

Even before the 16th century, Iran was already producing woven silk,
cotton textiles, rugs for export. When the Savafids (the kingdom that
established Islam as the religion of Iran) came to power, the textile
industry became more active and workshops were specially known for
velvet and luxury silk fabrics. Embroidered was woven in the 17th century
at the height of the Savafid Empire. Many designs floral and plant
patterns and cypress trees.
 Persian carpets are world-renowned. These products stand out
because of the wool, bright colors, and elaborate designs. Carpet
weaving is an essential part of culture and arts. Persian carpets are
regarded as prized possessions.

Arts and Crafts

The crafts of Iran are weaving, calligraphy, illumination, pottery,

glasswork, inlaid miniature painting, tilework, and metalwork.

1. Inlaid Items
Wooden articles, like jewelry and cigar boxes, are embedded with
pieces of wood, bone, or metal cut into intricate geometric patterns.

2. Weaving
Weaving in Iran is an occupation. Aside from carpets, blankets, and
curtains, coverings are also woven, incorporating varied designs and
colors.

3. Calligraphy
Calligraphy is the highest art form of the
Islamic civilization. It was developed and
enhanced by the Persians when it was
introduced into the country.

4. Illumination
This art form is the decoration of manuscripts and religious texts,
especially the Koran. Persian illumination reached its peak during the
Savafid Dynasty (1501-1722). Illumination and calligraphy usually go
together.

5. Pottery/Ceramic
Persian pottery goes back to the
Neolithic period. Through the
centuries, the potters have
refined forms from various
influences and blended them into their
own culture. A market for luxury
ceramic with fancy glazes and
painted decorations opened up
during the Islamic period.

6. Glasswork
Glass blowing started in the Syro-Palestinian region in the mid-first
century B.C. and quickly spread to the neighboring regions, including
Persia. Since then, glass has been used for holding perfumes and
cosmetics, for drinking purposes, and for making lamps.

7. Miniature Painting
These are small paintings, usually for a
book or for an album. This genre of Persian art
appeared in the 13th century with Chinese
influence because of the Mongolian
conquests.

8. Metalwork
Gold, silver, and other metal works have existed since the 5th century
B.C. with highly sophisticated designs. The first metal artworks were
made during the Achaemenid Empire.

9. Tilework
Tilework in Iran goes back to the prehistoric period. It is one of the
decorative features of Iranian architecture. The art of tile working
blossomed in the Islamic Period.

Accessories and Body Ornaments

1. Tattoos
The practice of tattooing dates back from the 5th century B.C. The
Achaemenid slaves had to wear brand marks. Later, tattooing became
popular among men and more so among women. Ladies had designs
pricked on their forehead to connect the eyebrows. They also had
tattoos on the chin, cheek, lip, throat and breast. Designs for women
were usually birds, flowers, and
gazelles. Men however, had lions. The practice disappeared in 1900.

2. Jewelry
Persian women were known for their love of jewelry. They had a
special affection for diamonds and emeralds. However, they could only
show their jewelry at family gatherings because they were fully covered
in public. On special occasions, they wore headpieces called tadji.
These were decorated with gemstones.

Architecture

Iranian architecture has a continuous history from about 5000 B.C. to

the present. It has produced some of the magnificent structures of the
world. The ruins of the city of Persepolis, the ancient capital of the
Achaemeniad dynasty, are an example.
 Classical Iranian architecture has two building types: the mosque and
And the palace. These two buildings make use of symbolic geometric
patterns for ornamentations. The common themes are shapes such as
circle and square. Architectural plans have symmetrical layouts with
rectangular courtyards and halls.

Post-Islamic architecture has adopted ideas from its pre-Islamic

predecessor and also has geometric forms and surfaces with richly
decorated tiles, floral motifs, and calligraphy.

Sculpture

Persian sculpture has survived mostly in the form of reliefs on palace

walls or on the faces of cliffs. The Persians also produced metalwork
statuettes and rhythons (vessels usually with animal designs).
Get into Action

Activity I
Illumination and Mandala

Compare the illumination of Iran to the Mandala of India. Point out the
similarities and differences of the two sacred crafts. Print pictures of the
crafts and explain the importance of both crafts in each respective
country. Research also for our own example of a sacred craft.

Activity 2
Persian Tile Design

Research on the different designs of Persian tiles; then, create your

own on an oslo paper with the size of 6" X 10". Color your work and be
ready to share your creations in the class.

Activity 3
The Ancient City inside the Modern City

Research on the different architectural structures in modern Iran

today that are patterned after the great architecture of the city of
Persepolis. Print related photos to support your claims.

A Quick Glimpse

Iran, formerly Persia, is one of the ancient civilizations of the world. It is

an Islamic republic on the Persian Gulf. One of its ancient landmarks is
the ancient city of Persepolis. It was established during the Achaemenid
Empire of Cyrus the Great. Later, around the 7th century A.D ., the Arabs
invaded and ruled the country.
 The art and the architecture of Iran are Islamic in style. Elaborate
decorations are made of floral and plant motifs since human figures are
banned by the religion. Iran is one of the enduring civilizations of the
world.