Sinification and the Adoption of Chinese Culture in East Asia (600-1450)

1. Sinification- to assimilate, spread, absorb or have traditional Chinese culture thrust upon you. During the Tang-Song Dynasties (and even before) China’s hegemony had a great impact on its neighbors To the South and East. One of the driving forces… Buddhism China had been a dominant force in the region for over a thousand years And through conquest, trade and emulation, its neighbors will selectively Adopt many political, economic and cultural components of its way of life

2. It is important to note, however, that ethnocentrism, location and resistance • By Japan, Korea and Viet Nam will lead to unique differences amongst • The individualized Sinification process. Here is a basic overview of a • Process some are saying exists today: • Japan- emulation, assimilation, no direct contact with China • Korea- tributary states, Kingdom of Silla a vassal state to China • Viet Nam – direct colonization, resistance and autonomy no match for • Subsequent Qin, Han and Tang Dynasties

3. Sinification Similarities and Differences

4. Comp Sinification 600-1450 From 600-1450 the Sinification of both Vietnam and Korea in the adoption of Buddhism and its 4 noble principles, both were subordinate to Tang Chinese influence and authority, however, Korea will establish a vassal state of Silla whilst Vietnam rarely cooperated with direct colonial control of various Chinese Dynasties (Qin, Han, Tang) In the Post Classical world (600-1450) the adoption of Chinese culture in Japan and Korea was promulgated by the introduction of Buddhism through monastic orders, both were unable to establish Confucian bureaucracy due to the decentralized political nature of their military aristocracies, however, Japan will abandon their ties to China remaining increasingly isolated while Korea will fortify tributary status in the Kingdom of Silla From 600-1450 Sinification of Vietnam and Japan traditional roles of women will struggle with the patriarchy of Chinese Confucianism, Buddhism will appeal to the masses with the opportunity for redemption in Nirvana , however, Vietnam was directly colonized by China while Japan’s geographic isolation would prevent direct contact with China.

5. From 600-1450 in both Japan and Korea the adoption of Chinese culture was facilitated by the appeal of Buddhist ideology and culture, both failed to adopt the civil service bureaucracy and fell in feudal decentralized structures yet Japan would be free of Chinese intervention due to its geographic location while Korea would be subjugated as the vassal state of Silla.

6. Japan borrowed much from Chinese culture including Buddhism, Confucianism, and writing • 646 CE - Japanese emperor introduced the Taika Reforms intended to remake Japanese government along Chinese lines including using a scholar-gentry

8. Chinese influence challenged at all levels of Japanese society including nobles, Buddhists, and peasants • Buddhist dominance caused emperor to flee Nara and establish new capital at Heian • Buddhists re-established power at court Buddha at Nara

9. Court at Heian • Social status was supreme goal • Love affairs were major preoccupation • Pursuit of beauty • Tale of the Genji - written by Lady Murasaki

10. Reforms abandoned • Bureaucracy staffed by nobles • Nobles and Buddhists nibbled away at imperial power • Landed nobles and large landowners established private “kingdoms” replete with governments • These mini-states were ruled by the Bushi from fortresses

11. Bushi raised private armies • Mounted knights- samurai- were loyal to local lords though often called upon to protect the emperor • Bushi and samurai made up warrior class - food produced by serf-like peasants

12. Battle evolved into duels of champions • Rising power of Bushi and corresponding loss of power of emperor created feudal system • Chinese influence declined as influence of the new warrior class increased

13. Age of the Warlords • Ashikaga shogunate established 1336 • Emperor refused to recognize it causing Japan to erupt in civil war • By 1477, Japan divided into 300 kingdoms ruled by Daimyo • Daimyo built up kingdoms through irrigation, trade and commerce, and construction projects

14. Women lost power. Given in marriage to cement alliances • Women encouraged to commit suicide if dishonored • Zen Buddhism - stressed simplicity and discipline • Zen Buddhism became basis for Japanese art

16. Adopted Chinese Confucianism, Buddhism, and writing • Alliance with China allowed Silla to subjugate neighboring kingdoms

17. Silla resistance against Tang forces caused Tang to accept Silla as vassal state • Silla borrowed much of Tang government practices • Korea maintained independence until 20th century. • Yi Dynasty lasted from 1392-1910

20. Vietnamese had strong cultural identity • Took care not to let borrowing from China dominate Vietnamese culture • More willing to intermarry between different ethnic groups • Women enjoyed greater freedom than Chinese

21. Vietnam first came under Chinese domination during Han Dynasty • Adopted bureaucracy including civil service exam • Adopted Chinese agricultural techniques • Adopted Chinese military organization and weaponry allowing them to conquer peoples to south and west

22. Defeated the Indianized armies of the Khmer • Gained independence after fall of the Tang • Attempts by Ming Dynasty and Mongols to conquer Vietnam failed

23. Buddhism became dominant religion – frustrating attempts of Vietnamese scholar-gentry to gain power like that in China • South Vietnam became more populated and powerful • Power struggle erupted between two powerful families: Trinh/north and Nguyen/south • Struggle lasted centuries