ASIAN ART: JAPAN

The Japanese have shown a remarkable ability to absorb, imitate, and then recreate new ideas in ways that express their own culture. Many Japanese enjoy Western entertainment, wear Western-style clothing and even speak the English language. In turn, they have learned how to supply our needs with their technology. Today many of us drive Japanese cars. We listen to music or watch television on Japanese electronic products. Our love for Japanese technology has helped make Japan a rich country. But Japan has not abandoned its rich cultural heritage, as you will see in this lesson.

OBJECTIVES

• Discuss the influence of Buddhism on early Japanese art and architecture.

• Explain the art of illustration during the Heian Period.

• Identify characteristics of Zen Buddhist art.

• Discuss the Edo period of art.

VOCABULARY

THE ART OF JAPAN – THE ASUKA AND HEIAN PERIODS

Japan is made up of four main islands and hundreds of smaller ones, many of which are inhabited. The development of Japanese culture was greatly influenced by its proximity to China and Korea. In the seventh and eighth centuries, Buddhism, which was already big in China, was introduced in Japan and greatly influenced the development of art and culture.

While you will see a variety of art forms in this lesson, painting is the most common artistic expression in Japan, practiced by amateur and professional alike. Because Japanese wrote with a brush rather than a pen for much their history, they have developed a sensitivity to brushwork that has helped them excel at the art form.

Most Japanese sculpture revolves round their religious beliefs. For instance, you will see many statues of the Buddha and other Buddhist deities. But as traditional Buddhism declines in importance, so does the use of sculpture as an artistic medium. In architecture, Japanese choose natural materials. Interior and exterior spaces interact with each other to create a harmonious atmosphere.

As you may remember from your lessons on the Impressionists and Postimpressionists, Japanese art, with its simple lines and colorful exuberance, was a major influence on 19th-century Western painting.

And if you think about the houses of Frank Lloyd Wright and other organic architects, you can also see an influence on 20th-century Western architecture. Read about Japanese architecture.

Asuka Period

The Asuka period (552 – 645) marks the introduction of Buddhism into Japan from China and Korea. The Japanese ruling elite embraced many aspects of the larger continent's culture, and the Japanese court imitated the forms and rites of the Chinese court. Although many Japanese opposed Buddhism at first, by about 600 the new religion was firmly established in Japan.

Japanese Buddhist Architecture and Sculpture

Buddhist buildings are actually complexes complete with temple, pagoda and monastery. Giant gates mark the main entrance.

The Todai-ji ("Great Eastern Temple") in Nara, Japan, was constructed in 752. The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism and is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sacred icons are housed in the main hall or kondo. Graceful pillars taper from bottom to top as in classical architecture. The second story is a harmonious smaller version of the bottom story. Ceramic tiles are used for the roofing. There were two very tall pagodas in the original complex, but they were destroyed by earthquakes. This protective statute is located inside the temple.

The temple is the largest wooden building in the world, and houses the largest Buddha statue in Japan. The fingers on this Buddha are as big as an adult human.

Japanese Buddhist art of the Asuka period is exemplified by the Buddha sculpted by Tori Busshi (Busshi means "maker of Buddhist images"). His style is similar to that of the Chinese Wei Dynasty of the late fourth to sixth centuries in its front-oriented design, geometric planes and surface flatness. Yet it also conveys a sense of peace and gentleness.

Watch the video at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts to learn more about Buddhism. Take note of any artworks mentioned in the film.

Heian Period (794-1192)

During the Heian period, peace and security was established under the powerful rule of the Heian dynasty. Japanese culture flourished, and the Heian court began to develop a culture independent of the Chinese culture that had previously influenced the cultural life of Imperial Japan. This court culture was defined by values such as courtliness, simplicity, and sensitivity.

The Japanese also developed their own system of writing. Japan's most admired literary classic is Tale of Genji, written about 1000 by Lady Murasaki Shikibu. The oldest extant examples of illustrated copies are from a set of 12th century handscroll fragments. In the handscrolls, illustrations alternate with the text.

Check out the painting of Lady Murasaki painted 600 years later by Tosa Mitsuoki

Tale of Genji 

THE ART OF JAPAN – THE MUROMACHI PERIOD AND SOME OF ITS ARTISTS

Muromachi Period (1336–1573)

The Muromachi period ensued when the shogun Ashikaga Takauji gained enough power to establish domination over the country. The imperial family continued to be recognized while the shogun managed the country. The emperor's power had diminished due to conflicts within the imperial family, and he was simply a figurehead by this time.

During the shogunate rule, cultural expression flourished as society became more egalitarian. Zen Buddhism also became popular and inspired changes in art. The word "Zen" means meditation; Zen Buddhism emphasized rigorous discipline and personal responsibility rather than reliance on the saving power of Amida. Because of this, many samurai were attracted to the new form of the old religion. Zen temples became centers where Japanese could study Chinese art, literature, and learning. Zen monks produced artwork to aid meditation and to serve as a form of instruction. The characteristics of Zen Buddhist art include:

• Simplicity

• Emptiness

• Directness

• Naturalness

This is a landscape by Toyo Sesshe done in the broken- or splashed- ink style. The ink is applied in broad, rapid strokes and sometimes allowed to drip on the paper.

Japanese Calligraphy

During this time, calligraphy developed into a major art form. Zen Buddhist monks played an important role in spreading these artistic characteristics:

• Sweeping, fluid brush line

• Spontaneous look

• Irregular rather than regular figures

Zen Meditation Gardens

In order to enhance meditation, Zen Buddhists created gardens. The Saihoji temple gardens have already been established by Buddhists of the Pure Land sect, but it was transformed by a Zen monk to create a more meditative atmosphere. Take a look at this Meditation Garden

Tosu Mitsunobu (1434 – 1525)

Tosu Mitsunobu was the chief painter at the imperial court during the late Muromachi period. His influential style featured bright color and thickly applied paint: Tosu Mistunobu

Kano Masanobu (1434 – 1530)

Kano Masanobu established the Kano School of painting. The favored style was a blending of kanga with the lively colors of yamato-e, or Japanese style. The academy, later run by his son, became the leading art institution for two centuries.

THE ART OF JAPAN – THE MOMOYAMA, EDO, AND MODERN PERIODS

Momoyama Period

Take a virtual visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Timeline for an introduction to the Momoyama period. Take note of the artistic styles prevalent during the Momoyama period which included rustic simplicity and a robust, opulent style.

The tea ceremony developed during this period. This ceremony became an important ritual in Japanese culture as it gave them an opportunity to spend time socializing in a calm way, to discuss the arts, and to focus on the spiritual rather than the material. The tea was served in a small bowl in a gracious manner. The body movement in serving the tea must follow specific rules. The utensils are often considered works of art.

Tea architecture is also very specific. Historically, the ceremonies took place in a rustic cottage or tea house, made of natural materials such as bark-covered logs and woven straw.

Take a virtual trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and check out the Japanese Tea house. Be sure to look at all four slides and listen to the audio tour: Japanese Tea House

The Edo Period (1615–1868)

In 1615, the shogun moved the seat of power to the city of Edo, which is present-day Tokyo. At first, wars and repression disrupted life, but over time growing urbanization meant an increase in the seeking of worldly pleasures. People wanted to enjoy life. Books and printed images grew in popularity and a sophisticated culture developed around music, literature and art.

Ukiyo-e

Ukiyo originally meant "the sad or lamentable world," because people lived in a sadly chaotic environment due to civil wars. However, when peace arrived in the sixteenth century, the meaning evolved into "the floating world." The Japanese people immersed themselves in the enjoyment of life. The word ukiyo combined with "e," or picture, is understood as a picture that depicts happy, fun life in this world. The theatre became a popular amusement and was depicted in many paintings and prints. Popular subjects for ukiyo-e include courtesans, actors and housewives.

The Modern Period

LET'S REVIEW!

In this lesson you have learned:

• Japanese art was highly influenced by the introduction of Buddhism

• Painting, sculpture and architecture all reflected Buddhist philosophy of harmony and serenity

• Over the centuries, new technologies and techniques were introduced from other countries or developed and combined with traditional Japanese art

• Chinese ink painting was very influential, and the Kano school combined it with Japanese color to create a unique style

• Woodblock prints made art accessible to everyone and a period of rapid urbanization brought about art that celebrated a happier lifestyle

• Today's Japanese art is informed by both pop culture of the west and traditional art forms of Asia

Complete the quiz before moving on.