Notan
Japanese Aesthetic Principle
meaning Light and Dark
Find beauty not only in the thing itself
but in the pattern of the shadows,
the light and dark which that thing provides.
Junichiro Tanizaki
The artistic principle of Notan involves
a balance
between lights and darks in an artwork.
Example by 8th grade student
We put thirty spokes together and call it a wheel;
But it is on the space where there is nothing that the utility of the wheel depends.
We turn clay to make a vessel,
But it is on the space where there is nothing that the utility of the vessel depends.
We pierce doors and windows to make a house;
And it is on these spaces where there is nothing that
The utility of the house depends.
Therefore, just as we take advantage of what is, we should
Recognize the utility of what is not.
This poem, attributed to Lao Tse, was written about 2,000
years ago. It addresses the basis of all design, Notan.
ARTS VOCABULARY
Elements of Design:
SHAPE, FORM, SPACE
VALUE - LIGHT AND DARK
Principles of Art:
BALANCE
Block print by SSterrenberg
Squint your eyes. Focus on the space.
In calligraphy,
the white space is just as
important
as the kanji character.
A strong Notan design
helps artwork succeed.

The concept of Notan applies
to many areas of art, including
painting, drawing, graphic
design, sculpture, architecture
and photography.
It also
applies to other arts disciplines
like dance and theater.
Kazuaki Tanahashi, Heiki, 1965.
Edward Weston, Pepper, 1930
Georgia O’Keeffe, Morning Glory, 1926
Jim Yellowhawk, Sacred Hoop, 1992
Creative Expression
Task:
Create design with balance
between shapes and space,
between light and dark
Materials:
Light and dark paper squares
Scissors
Glue
Technique:
Cut and paste
8th grade student work
Criteria for Assessment
Craftsmanship
Cutting:
Pasting:
Design
Clean, sharp edges
Neatness, accuracy
COMPOSITION
Details, complexity
Placement
Originality
Scoring Rubric
for Finished Artwork
Craftsmanship Cutting
Pasting
Design
Composition
Balance
Creativity
7th grade student work
Examples of Student Work