A Comparative Study of the Representation of Nature in Chinese Painting and Iranian Miniature

Authors

  • Mina Behkarsani Department of Art, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.48313/pab.v2i1.38

Abstract

Two essential characteristics of Iran and China have played a significant role in the evolution of art: the influence of religion and the importance of art to the royal courts throughout various eras. There are both similarities and differences in how religion impacted the formation of the arts particularly painting as well as in the political and commercial exchanges between these two civilizations. By examining relevant artworks, one can trace the influence of these factors on the artists of their time and their creations. The central issue of this research is the examination of how nature is represented in the painting traditions of two ancient Asian civilizations Iran and China and the analysis of the similarities and differences that arise from their respective intellectual, cultural, and aesthetic foundations. The main research question is: How have the philosophical roots and dominant worldviews of each civilization influenced the representation of nature in painting, and what differences have these produced in their artistic perspectives on nature? Rather than focusing on the symbolism of natural elements, this study adopts a holistic approach to investigate the representation of nature through artistic techniques and intellectual contexts. The article is structured in two main parts: the first explores the philosophical foundations and conceptual approaches to nature in each civilization, and the second presents a comparative analysis of their painting techniques and visual structures. This research aims to provide a clearer understanding of how Iranian and Chinese artists have engaged with nature and to highlight the role of Eastern worldviews in shaping their visual language.

Keywords:

Nature, Chinese painting, Iranian miniature, Dao

References

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Published

2025-03-27

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): Perspectives on Art and Beyond (PAB)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Behkarsani, M. . (2025). A Comparative Study of the Representation of Nature in Chinese Painting and Iranian Miniature. Perspectives on Art and Beyond, 2(1), 41-50. https://doi.org/10.48313/pab.v2i1.38