'N'ew Asian Art Terms Trivia Quiz

Answer: Nandi

Shiva's vahana (vehicle) Nandi can be found depicted in sculpture near the many temples dedicated to Shiva throughout South Asia. Each Hindu god has his or her own vahana, for example the eagle-like Garuda is the vehicle of Vishnu. Why are cows so sacred in India? Well...think about Nandi...now you know!

Answer: Netsuke

Enter any museum dedicated to Japanese art and you will likely find a display of Netsuke. There are thousands of carved designs for Netsuke, in multiple mediums such as ivory, wood and stone. They are tiny but beautiful pieces of sculpture.

Answer: Nyorai

Most sculptures of the Buddha are classified as 'Nyorai'.

Answer: Tender

According to Lin Yutang, tender ink is 'good for tone and atmosphere and beautiful vapoury effects in general.' Both 'nen-mo' and 'lao-mo' are required of the expert artist, and they are often used side by side to create a painting. The term 'nen' is most often used to describe meat...the more 'nen' the better, wouldn't you say?

Answer: Nat

There are 37 'nats' in the Burmese mythological pantheon, all of which are frequently depicted in art and sculpture. Many of the 'nats' are borrowed from Hindu mythology, a huge cultural influence for the Burmese.

Answer: Noh

Also spelled 'Nô', this minimalist theater involves masks, dance, and music...all performed on a bare stage! The most famous figure of Nô drama is 'Zeami', the father of Nô playwrights.

Answer: Snakes

The Nagas are fearsome creatures, led by their chief Vasuki. Vasuki was used by the Hindu gods in the churning of the primordial ocean...yet another creation myth involving a serpent!

Answer: Slave

The term 'Nu-shu' is certainly not complimentary! If one is to employ the works of previous artists, one should find multiple influences, not just relying on the work of one master. If your goal is only to copy that one individuals work, you are said to be enslaved by him.

Answer: Nihonga

'Nihon' is the term for Japan in the Japanese language. Fenollosa urged the Japanese government to maintain the beautiful tradition of Japanese style art during the Meiji period when everything Western was in vogue. His influence, along with that of his colleagues, such as Okakura Tenshin, ensured that the traditional style of Japanese art would be preserved for future generations.

Answer: Nirvana

Figures such as the Buddha and the many boddhisattvas are on the threshold of Nirvana, but remain on earth to help ensure the release of other souls. They are depicted in art during various stages of their ascent into enlightenment and eventual entry into nirvana. Thank you for having been daring and trying this quiz...if you have not done so I urge you to see my other art terms quizzes, you are sure to be delighted!