Art of Japan

Elegance, wit, asymmetry

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•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.

Innovative wood sculpture by Kosho shows practice of Pure Land Buddhist chanting. Monks traveled around

Kuya Preaching, Kosho, 1207

Sculpture shows Pure Land monk traveling around chanting.. Tiny Buddhas coming out his mouth to represent the 6 syllables of the chang

Na-mu-AmidaBudu

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.

Himeii Castle, Momovama Period, 1601.. Portuguese explorers arrived in Japan w/new weapons. Fortified castles became norm to defend against cannons, etc.

The Momovma Period

Warriors, graceful design

& SHOIN architecture

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 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

Hokusai - Influential Japanese Painter & Printmaker in Edo Period

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

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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”

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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

What other culture combined painting, poetry and calligraphy?

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Asakura Jo (Old Man)

Carved wooden maks, Edo period

Noh masks such as this one are highly acclaimed in Japan.

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

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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.

•Reductive, simple style with convincing evocation of the intensity of Daruma’s meditations

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Dharma, by Ekkaku Bodhidharma

Ink Paintings of Founder of Zen Buddhism, by Ekkaku of Edo Period

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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)