AP Art History : Analyzing Asian sculpture
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Asian Sculpture
Which is NOT true of the Shiva Nataraja bronze sculptures from the Chola Dynasty?
Shiva stomps on apasmara (symbol of illusion).
Shiva has four arms and two legs.
Shiva makes the "fear not" mudra.
Shiva is depicted symmetrically.
Shiva is surrounded by a ring of fire.
Shiva is depicted symmetrically.
Shiva is depicted asymmetrically. Three hands gesture to his right while one hand gestures to his left. In addition, his left leg is raised to his right while his other leg is rooted firmly to the ground. Shiva's front left hand, which points to his raised left foot, signifies refuge for the troubled soul.
Example Question #1 : Asian Sculpture
The structure is made out of which of the following materials?
Diorite
Sandstone
Marble
Schist
Clay
Sandstone
Sandstone was one of the most easily obtainable building materials in the region and was often employed in works commissioned by Ashoka.
Image: Great Stupa at Sanchi commissioned by Emperor Ashoka, c. 300 BCE–100 CE. From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanchi#/media/File:Sanchi_Stupa_from_Eastern_gate,_Madhya_Pradesh.jpg.
Example Question #2 : Asian Sculpture
Which other architectural element does The Gates bear resemblance to?
Japanese Torii gates
The Great Wall of China
Art deco architectural style
Muqarnas in Islamic architecture
Ionic columns
Japanese Torii gates
The Gates bears a strong resemblance to Japanese Torii gates. They are often found at the entrance to Shinto shrines, and traditionally Japanese businessmen would buy them to pay tribute to the god Inari (the god of prosperity).
Image accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gates#/media/File:FushimiInariTorii.jpg
Image accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gates#/media/File:Gates_a.jpg
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