Art synthesizes competition between native Japanese aesthetics and the adaptation of imported ideas from Chinese paintings and Western influences of the 16th century. Japanese art forms include painting, calligraphy, architecture, pottery, sculpture, jade carving, however, all these art forms connect. Most Japanese art forms interact with outside forces. An example is Buddhism, originating in India and developing in Asia. It offered Japanese art with perspectives on relationships between visual art and spiritual connection. The Tang dynasty’s style was important as well, and it was also influenced by Chinese Buddhism. The period of Chinese Buddhist monks brought religion and large pieces of Chinese culture. Japanese art was understanding the natural world as a mirror for human instruction and a source of spiritual insight. Everything was understood to be a life cycle, even in art.
710 A.D – 1185 A.D
Japanese art originated from around 710 A.D – 794 A.D, which was the Nara Period, when religious painting flourished. During the mid-period, painting in the style of the Tang dynasty became very popular. A large portion of this art is stored at the Shoso-in. From 794 A.D – 1185 A.D was the Heian Period, which featured religious imagery, especially Mandala painting. The rising need for artwork that suited “pure land” was needed. Yamato-e started, including landscape elements (soft rolling hills) that reflected actual Japanese landscape appearance.
1333 A.D – 1573 A.D
The Muromachi period came next from 1333 A.D – 1573 A.D, where monochrome ink paintings were favored. The polychrome scroll painting was replaced, and the new Suibokuga paintings had quick brushstrokes and less detail. At the end of the 14th century, monochrome landscape paintings evolved into a more Japanese style from the Chinese style. During the late period, ink painting migrated out, and a more plastic and decorative art style came along.
1573 A.D – 1615 A.D
The Azuchi-Moyoyama period lasted from 1573 A.D – 1615 A.D. It featured polychrome artwork of gold and silver foil which were large scale works. It was commissioned to decorate castles and palaces with nobility. From 1603 A.D – 1868 A.D, the Edo period was a continuation of the Azhuchi-Moyoyama period. A new painting style used in classical themes, and put in a bold, lavishly decorative format. Namban art was introduced, which was using foreigner art styles in painting. The Bunjinaga literary painting was also introduced, which started by the imitation of Chinese artwork of the Yuan dynasty, and blended Chinese and Japanese styles. Common people developed the Fuzokuga style, which showed scenes from everyday life.
1868 A.D – 1945 A.D
1868 A.D– 1945 A.Dwas the Prewar period. The paintings involved European styles and traditional indigenous styles. Western painting styles were promoted by the government. It was mildly influenced by neoclassicism or late post-impressionism in art in the Taisho period. Pure and abstract art was introduced to the Nihonga tradition in the Showa period. This led to the current modern Japanese art.
Image from: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/big-wave-fugaku-sanju-rokkei-tony-moreno-sevillano.html
Nihonga
Two main Japanese historical styles that are still popular until now are Nihonga and Bunjinga. Nihonga was performed according to traditional Japanese conventions and techniques. Broad subjects were presented, and the style and technique from lots of traditional schools were blended, including Kano-ha, Rinpa and Maruyama Okyo. It was executed on washi (Japanese paper) or eginu (silk) with brushes. Water was used, and ink tones varied from very dark to very light. It emphasized outlines on all parts but animals and plants. Gold and silver leaves were added occasionally as decoration.
Bunjinga
Bunjinga was developed in the late Edo period. It was painted by artists that considered themselves literati or intellectuals. They admired Chinese culture and withdrew it into art. This style was often performed in monochrome black ink, mainly depicting Chinese landscapes. It focused on the rhythm of nature, as well as birds, flowers, and other natural details.
Written by The Nine Eves
The Anonymous Helpers (TAH)
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