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Historical Japanese Art

By: Vanessa Popescu


Although historically Japan has either accepted alien ideas or turned away from anything foreign, Japan eventually created its own art culture.


Once doing so, some of the first artworks were in relation to Buddhism, which was when religion played a huge role in the daily lives of Japanese people. Eventually, once the shogunate was established, the art that was made took a more secular turn. Then, once the 19th and 20th centuries came, Japan opened up to western ideas, and thus the expectations also differed.


If one takes a look through artworks in the course of about 10,000 years, some of the big focuses are on nature, culture, and the meaning behind materials. Today, some of the most popular art forms are ceramics, paintings on sliding walls (fusuma), fans, and screens, as well as woodblock prints and calligraphy. While all these art forms are popular, Japanese architecture remains to be seen with more of a religious shadowing, since there are often examples of it near temples.


In painting specifically, it started as decor for places of worship due to an influence from China, then shifted to other usages, still favoring the Chinese painting style of round figures. Yamato-e started to replace the Chinese painting style during the later Heian period, showcasing Kyoto and its scenery.


It was much later that the focus shifted primarily on other events and phenomena.


Artistic Analysis:

Anthology With Cranes, by Tawaraya Sōtatsu, and poet Hon’ami Kōetsu (17th Century)

In this painting, the art seems rather simple, focusing on the foreground, or the cranes, rather than the background as well, which isn’t present. The cranes are very simple, yet unique in their own ways. While the cranes themselves seem rather plain, their every movement, the fluttering of their wings as they soar, can be vividly imagined by the viewer. Although the gold may distract the eye a little, it isn’t too tacky, but rather subtle. In the full version of the scroll, a breathtaking view of land and sea is made, which accentuates the depth of the scope of the view of cranes.


Heron and Spring Willows; Magpies in Autumn, by Goshun (18th Century)

Although at first glance this painting may seem as though the land is dry and barren, there is an exquisite emphasis on detail. The magpies depicted are resting, but the posture in which they were drawn makes this work seem so natural, like a photograph. The way the ferns and autumn grass was painted is very delicate, and clear thoughtfulness can be seen in each brushstroke. The late autumn makes the scenery seem dry, but in reality, there are many things in here left to catch the eye.


Under the Wave Off Kanagawa; The Great Kanagawa Wave, by Katsushika Hokusai (1830-32)

Lastly, this painting is something that many people have seen at least once somewhere. This masterpiece uses Prussian blue paint to draw the eyes to the sea and the way that nature moves in synch. In the background, Mount Fuji is seen, but not in the limelight this time. It adds a suitable detail that makes the viewer want to keep looking for other details, like the boats crashing against the waves. Although such huge waves may seem domineering and frightening, this painting by Hokusai makes them feel almost mystical and interesting. Also, the detailing on the sea foam helps with the contrast between the sea, the boats, and Mt. Fuji.


Japanese art has come a long way through history, each artist bringing something new to the spotlight.


References:

“Japanese Art.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/art/Japanese-art.


“Paintings from the Edo Period - Kyoto National Museum - Google Arts & Culture.” Google, Google, artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/paintings-from-the-edo-period-kyoto-national-museum/LgJSQfwGvY1zKg?hl=en.


“Under the Wave off Kanagawa (Kanagawa Oki Nami Ura), Also Known as The Great Wave, from the Series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku Sanjūrokkei).” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/45434.


 
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