THE AMERICAS / CHINA AND INDIA

THE AMERICAS

Pre-Columbian Americas had no knowledge of the Old World, and contact was only made later between these two areas. Once these worlds collided, the people had stone points, fishing nets, sleeping mats, and pottery for storage and cooking purposes. Some of their homes were sunken into the earth, underneath cliffs, or made of various materials. Over time, different cultures and types of design made its way across the land, creating new techniques and ideas. Urban civilization was a very important and pivotal development of the Americas, creating a new perspective on life.

MEXICO

Pre-classic: San Lorenzo and the Olmecs
Classic: Teotihuacan, the Toltecs, and the Maya
Post-Classic: The Aztecs

Teotihuacan

Mexico's most impressive structures were pyramids. One place where this is exemplified is in Teotihuacan, in two significant pyramids. They are surrounded by lower temples, platforms, and palaces and residential areas. It is built around a central axis, with one end including the Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun. The Pyramid of the Sun is very large, whereas the Pyramid of the Moon is smaller, but very detailed in its construction.

One design technique used in Teotihuacan was Pasztory's formulation. This had two parts: the talud and the tablero. The talud was a base, frequently sloped, that acted as the physical and visual support for the tablero, which is a raised panel. This technique was used in the development of apartments, which were used as living complexes for the people. They were very basic structures, with not much detail or significance as the temples. Although, they did use materials, stone, paint, and sunlight to their best abilities to make these structures special.

Monte Alban

Ball courts were developed in Monte Alban, which was the Administrative center of the Zapotecs. They were used for playing sports and for watching and observing these games being played. It is very similar to pyramids in its design.

Mitla

Mosaics and carvings are highlighted in a courtyard interior of a palace from Mitla, which is also a Zapotec site. It uses symmetry in its design with four low walls surrounding the courtyard. These walls are made of carved stone, putting emphasis on the horizontal. Each facade was carved with such detail and intricacy, with each one being better than the next.

The Maya

Chichen-Itza, a central pyramid of the Mayan, was a sacrificial temple related to the solar calendar. It features fields of columns that aren't necessarily used for structure, but to stand in for human figures.

One piece of significant Mayan-Toltec furniture that comes from the Chichen-Itza is the Jaguar Throne. It is set at mid-height with no backrest or arms. It wasn't necessarily functional as a chair, but more used for visual purposes.

AZTECS - Capital Tenochtitlan

The Throne of Montezuma is another remarkable pieces of furniture from the Aztecs. Found on the backrest of this throne is a representation of the god of sun and war: Huitzilopochtli. The throne almost mimicked the form of an Aztec pyramid, with a steep incline and rectangular block on top of a base. Not only is Huitzilopochtli represented, but so is Montezuma to the right of him.

CENTRAL AMERICA

Metates were commonly produced among Central America during this time. These objects were stone-grinding platforms, made from porous volcanic rock. Initially, they were three-legged platforms, but eventually were four-legged as well. They were mostly used for grinding grain into flour, but also could serve as an altar or other functions.

PERU

Peru's most significant addition to design and architecture during the time of the Americas were anthracite mirrors. They were highly polished reflective black disks. The Nazca also created artworks within the earth itself in the form of geoglyphs. They were created by removing a layer of the desert floor, using straight lines and geometric/organic shapes at a huge scale to be seen from far away. Feather panels were another development made by the Chimu. These were made by attaching feathers together one at a time to a cotton backing to form different patterns.

Another civilization, the Inca, were known for their stone masonry. Blocks were cut with such precision that they didn't need mortar to fit seamlessly. The Inca's architecture is normally rectilinear, only breaking pattern when the environment around it decides so.

Overall, the differences between the early Americas and the modern world are many. There are similarities, though, as well. These include the use of ball courts to play sports, and other paraphernalia. Pyramids were a prime part of their architecture and design. The use of feathers was also very significant, tying the natural elements of earth into design. Their furniture, primarily seating, used animals in their design.

CHINA AND INDIA

Chinese Architecture Techniques

Stupa was a main technique used by the Chinese. This technique utilized a mound of dirt as a base, with a more permanent structure built on top of it. The Pagoda is a prime example of this technique:

In terms of layouts, their design was very symmetrical in style. They primarily had a courtyard building style, in both residential and commercial areas. Furniture was also developed by the Chinese, with replacements of mats with folding chairs and yoke back chairs. They also had a very elegant bed. 

India

India also used Stupa as one of their techniques, but to house sacred relics. One example of this in Indian culture is the Great Stupa of Sanchi.

Unlike the Chinese, Indians tended not to use furniture. Instead, they lived on the floor when they slept and ate.

CURRENT APPLICATIONS

ONE STEP FURTHER

One artist inspired by Chinese design is James Abbott McNeill Whistler. He was very interested in Asian art, especially Chinese ceramics, screens, and lacquer work, which shaped his decorative style. A great example is his "Peacock Room," where he mixed Western luxury with Chinese patterns, using bright colors like gold and blue, and designs of peacocks and flowers. Whistler’s work combined these influences to create beautiful, balanced interiors that blended the elegance of Chinese art with Western ideas.

Extra Links:

James Abott McNeill Whistler - metmuseum.org/toah/hd/whis/hd_whis.htm

Peacock Room - https://asia.si.edu/explore-art-culture/interactives/peacock-room/