The extreme eastern part of the Asian continent represents a relatively homogeneous region in art history. China influenced the area due to its antiquity and the exceptional nature of its art, decisively marking the regions subject to its cultural influence and often its political dominance, while Japan and Korea assimilated these influences, modifying them partially with their own traditions. Each country has a contribution to the world of art: China with its multi-faceted production, Japan's influence on the figurative arts, graphic arts and aesthetics of the West, Korea with its ancient ceramic and calligraphy tradition. Buddhist religious and cultural traditions also spread through these three countries, extending to the arts and craftwork, and merging with indigenous religious practices.--From book flap.