Year 8 History students: use this library guide to access a range of resources available both in the library and online, to assist you with your research for your assignment on the Arts and Crafts of medieval Japan.
Topics for this assignment include: Byobu (screens), Ikebana (flower arranging), Netsuke (miniature sculpture), Noh (theatre), Origami (paper folding), Shodo (calligraphy), Ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) - optional.
Books on Japanese arts, crafts and culture are on display in the library. Your teacher may arrange lessons in the library so you can access these resources. You can use these books in your own time (i.e before school, recess, lunch and after school). Remember to use the Index and Table of Contents pages in the books to help you find what you are looking for.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, go to the elibrary to search for your topic of interest. You can also ask the library staff for assistance if you are having difficulty finding information for your topic.
Overdrive has a selection of eBooks on Japanese history and culture including:
If you have any trouble accessing these books using the links above, go to Overdrive and search for the title of the book you are interested in or see the library staff for further assistance.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art website provides detailed art history and curated examples of medieval Japanese works of art. Explore the following links below:
Interiors Imagined: Folding Screens, Garments, and Clothing Stands
(Includes information about byobu)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Department of Asian Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Netsuke - From Fashion Fobs to Coveted Collectibles
Netsuke of Flying Goose over Flowers
Netsuke of Ashinaga and Tenaga with an Octopus
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Woodblock Prints in the Ukiyo-e Style
Department of Asian Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
You may also find the following websites helpful:
The Virtual Museum of Japanese Arts
Includes examples and descriptions of several forms of Japanese traditional arts, crafts, and traditions.
Japanese Art - New World Encyclopedia
Visit this link and browse the contents list to find the sections which may be helpful to you.
Kids Web Japan - history of origami
Kids Web Japan provides content that helps children learn about Japan. Suitable for elementary and middle school classrooms.
Japan Zone is an online travel guide - however, it does have relevant information about the history of Japanese culture and etiquette.
Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyg/1716727711
Netsuke of Noh Mask; Shōjō
Image source: http://www.metmuseum.org/
Noh Costume (Nuihaku) with Books and Nandina Branches
Image source: http://www.metmuseum.org/