How has the influence of Zen Buddhism shaped the aesthetics and themes in traditional Japanese art forms such as sumi-e (ink painting) and tea ceremonies?
What role did patronage by Islamic rulers in India play in the evolution of local art and architecture, and how did it help in the preservation and transformation of Indian artistic traditions?
How did the trade routes between the Islamic world and the Indian subcontinent contribute to the development of decorative arts, such as textiles, ceramics, and metalwork?
What are the distinguishing characteristics of Chinese ceramics, and how have styles such as porcelain and celadon influenced global trade and cultural exchange throughout history?
How has contemporary Chinese art addressed political and social issues, especially since the Cultural Revolution, and which artists have been at the forefront of this movement?
What role did imperial patronage play in the development and preservation of Chinese art throughout the different dynasties, such as the Ming and Qing dynasties?