Japanese History

Craftwork and the ArtsHistory Alive 8.9

Introduction

• Japanese artists and craftspeople aimed for perfection

• The creation of some objects also had a religious connection– Swords were believed to have their own spirit– Tea ceremony came from a Buddhist ritual– Sake was used in some Shinto festivals

Painting

• In early feudal times strongly influenced by Chinese styles

• by mid-Heian a more distinctive Japanese style developed

• Both coloured and monochrome (usually ink) became popular

• Often scenes from famous stories or legends were portrayed

Calligraphy

• The art of beautiful writing with brush and ink is still taught in Japan

• Competitions are held and practitioners are graded similar to the way martial artists are.

Lacquer

• Lacquer is made from tree sap with pigment added to colour it

• Painted in many layers it forms a hard glossy coating• It can be inlaid with objects like pearly shell, gold or silver leaf

Pottery

• Japanese pottery and ceramics can be of very high artistic quality

• Items made for tea ceremony are often examples of this

Review

• How were Japanese art and literature often connected?

• How did religious beliefs affect Japanese art and craft?

• Write an explanatory label for the lacquer box shown in source 4. It should explain the process and materials used to make it.

Calligraphy