Art of Japan
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Elegance, wit, asymmetry
•Japan had periods of
isolation and periods of trade
with Korea and China.
•Various forms of Buddhism
became very popular in
Japan, especially Zen
Buddhism.
•Japanese were influenced
by Chinese ink scroll
paintings
•One of the best preserved
continuous artistic traditions
in the world.
Buddhism came to
Japan during early
6th century BCE,
from Korea & China
(Asuka Period).
Originally Buddhism
was Mahayana
form, w/ many
buddhas and
bodhisattivas.
Adopted as state
religion, yet existed
side by side with
Shinto, a nature
based religion.
This ink painting from the early 14th century
illustrates a Zen Buddhist monk sewing.
Monk Sewing, Kao Ninga
Zen monks lived in monasteries, not wandering
around preaching … they took ordinary live
activities, such as sewing or working in a garden,
as a form of meditation. This cultural philosophy
still exists today in Japan.
Sculpture shows
Pure Land monk
Innovative
traveling wood
around
sculpture
by
Kosho
chanting.. Tiny
shows
practice
of Pure
Buddhas
coming
Land
out Buddhist
his mouthchanting.
to
Monks
traveled
around
represent the 6
syllables of the
chang
Na-mu-AmidaBudu
Kuya Preaching, Kosho, 1207
Phoenix Hall, Kyoto prefecture, Temple dedicated to phoenix and Amida Buddhism.
Heia period, 1053 CE, example of Pure Land Buddhist temple. Pure Land
Buddhism came to pominence.. New form, you can reach paradise through faith
alone. Chinese influence in roofs and stone base. Water is part of design.
The Momovma Period
Warriors, graceful design
& SHOIN architecture
Himeii Castle, Momovama Period, 1601.. Portuguese explorers arrived in Japan w/new
weapons. Fortified castles became norm to defend against cannons, etc.
Kano Fusuma, ink and gold on folding screens, Momovama period, 1563-73 Kano
school of decorative murals in temples and castles.. Pine = life, plum = sprint
Edo Period-FOCUS
• Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun
• Period of peace and prosperity
• Artwork, wood block prints, still beloved
today
• 4 classes: samurai, farmers, artisans,
merchants
• Widespread literacy - arts flourished
Hokusai - Influential Japanese Painter &
Printmaker in Edo Period
Hokusai was influenced by Western painting, studied Dutch landscapes
Did daily scenes and 36 views of Mt. Fuji
Credited with being first “manga’ (sketch) artist.. Influenced later
generations of manga & anime designers
Hokusai and Manga
Link between anime & shinto religion, ukiyo-e prints
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The Great Wave, Katsushika Hokusai, woodblock print on paper, Edo period, 1831,
10” x 14” approx. Part of Mt. Fuji series; not considered art in Japan as widely
produced; very popular in the West. Influenced Western art such as Impressionism.
Personification of nature, 1st tiem landscape became major theme in prints
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Sudden View on a Clear day, Katsushika Hokusai, woodblock print on paper, Edo
period, Part of Mt. Fuji series; - 36 views of Mt. fFuji.. He studied Dutch landscapes
Geisha as Daruma Crossing
the Sea
Suzuki Harunobu
One of 1st uki-o-ye wood
block prints using colors,
simplified lines, and showing
GENRE theme
Edo period mid 18th century
Harunobu showed refined
views of women in daily
pursuits, small feet and
hands, delicate drapery, and
diagonal compositions
UKI-YO-E means “floating
World”
flashcard
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What other
culture
combined
painting,
poetry and
calligraphy?
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The Eight Fold Bridge, Ogata Kensan, Edo period. Combines painting, poetry, and
calligraphy. Illustrates bridge from 10th century Tales of Ise, about a courtier who
writes a poem with the 5 syllables meaning ‘Iris” because he missed Kyoto
Asakura Jo (Old Man)
Carved wooden maks, Edo period
Noh masks such as this one are
highly acclaimed in Japan.
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Used in drama and religious
rituals, delicately carved wooden
masks that reveal the emotions of
a character
NOH IS A TYPE OF DRAMA
MASKS FOR MEN SHOW MORE
EXPRESSIONS, WOMEN’S
MORE BEAUTY
Flashcard- what a No mask is
Ink Paintings of Founder of Zen Buddhism, by Ekkaku of Edo Period
Daruma, Ink paintings from Edo period,
by Hakuin Ekkaku
•Portrays legendary Indian founder of
Zen Buddhism Darma askBodhittarma.
•Introduced from China in 12th
century,Zen powerful force in Japanese
literary and pictorial arts.
•Hakuin was a Zen monk, took up
painting as a spiritual exercise and for
Buddhist teachings.
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•Reductive, simple style with
convincing evocation of the intensity of
Daruma’s meditations
flashcard
Dharma, by Ekkaku
Bodhidharma
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Lacquer Writing boxes are still
popular today.. These 2 are from
Edo period
Read about these in your book or
take notes in class presentations
Tea Ceremonies are still an important part
of Japanese culture
Simple, minimalist ritual
Enter through a low doorway to symbolize
humility
Private setting,.. Floor mats of woven straw,
simplicity & delicacy
Sit on floor in small pace
Purity, harmony, respect, and tranquility
Purification ritual of handwashing (Shinto
connection)
Handmade tea vessels very important
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Rock Garden, Kyota, Muromachi period c. 1480. Much admired for
simplicity. Rocks sometimes thought to be islands, animals, etc. Shows
influence of Zen. Sands raked in designs. Nowater, but rocks and sand
suggest water. Contemplation, reflection, rejuvenation key in Japanese
philosophy. Shintoism - wood & stone. FLASHCARD KNOW ABOUT
ROCK GARDENS
Before the Edo period, in the Muromachi period, we
see hanging scrolls with ink and colors.
What influences do we see here?
What does the empty space represent in Bunsei’s
landscapet?
Bunsei, Landscape, mid 15th-Centure (on left)