Question

In what ways were art and literature key elements in this East Asia cultural complex?

Answer 1

The arts and literature of East Asia have important commonalities. One can justify these connections based on the geographic designations as well as long standing cultural connections between these regions. So the geographic definition would include Southeast Asia in the East Asia cultural complex. Although in much of the literature, the region is treated separately. However, the cultural connections are well established.  These connections are linked to the influence of Buddhism in China. Japan and Korea. China has become the dominant culture to reference in East Asia. Much of this is related to its distinct development. China's two major dynasties, the Han and Tang (618-907) were truly international in scope. Korea's location placed it in a subservient position to China. Japan although more independent than Korea was deeply influenced by Chinese religious practice and philosophy. Moreover, despite the vigorous assertion of national cultures in Japan, Chinese writing styles predominated. Chinese innovations in writing, print and moveable type caused it to play an important and dominant role in literary production.  Japanese literature was heavily influenced by the Chinese as well.  Korean literature was also sometimes produced in classical Chinese.