3. Introduction:
Japanese-style paintings are painted on silk or
Japanese paper with a brush. Black Indian ink
and mineral colors (pulverized lapis lazuli, green
copper rust, and ocher) are used as paints. The
paintings appear in various sizes and forms.
They are even painted on paper sliding doors,
folding screens, scrolls and hanging scrolls.
Japanese-style painting has its origin in Buddhist
painting from china. They evolved gradually
into a unique Japanese style called ―Yamatopictures‖ during the ―Heian‖ period
(AC794~1185).
4. Early Works
The earliest art of Japan, probably
dating from the 3d and 2d millennia
BC, consisted of monochrome
pottery with cord-impressed designs
(Jomon),
the Jomon people made large
numbers of human figures from
clay, especially in the Chubu
region. These figurines mostly
represent pregnant women, a
typical example and a famous
figurine is called the Jomon Venus
figurine. Such clay figures have
been discovered in great numbers
in the eastern parts of Japan and in
Kyushu, particularly in the area
around the outer crater of Mt. Aso.
5. Buddhist and Chinese
Influences
The stylistic tradition of
Japanese art was firmly
established at the time of
the introduction of
Buddhism in the 6th cent.
The teaching of the arts
through the medium of
Buddhist monasteries and
temples progressed under
Korean monks and artisans,
who created Buddhist
sculpture and pictures
representing divinities
6. The Nara Period
In the sculpture of the Nara period (710–784) clay figures and
statues made in the dry-lacquer process (lacquer applied to a
solid core of wood or lacquered cloths placed over some kind
of armature) attained great popularity. Representations of
Buddhist deities and saints in wood and bronze evolved in style
from an elegant thinness in the works of Tori (active c.600–630)
to the more massive figures of the 8th and 9th cent., which
reflect the style of the later T'ang dynasty in China.
7. The Fujiwara Period
The Fujiwara period (898–1185) is marked by the crystallization of
the Yamato-e tradition of painting (based on national rather than on
Chinese taste). Kanaoka (late 9th cent.) was the first major native painter.
The famous illustrated scroll of the Tale of the Genji—written in the early llth
cent. By Lady Murasaki—with its rich color and subtracted treatment of
the features of men and women reflects the extreme sensitivity and
refinement of the court during that period. The same delicacy of taste can
be seen in the sculpture of Jocho (11th cent.).
One of the oldest Yamato-e works to survive, are four famous 12th
century hand scrolls of parts of the ―The Tale of Genji‖.
8. The Kamakura Period
In the Kamakura period (late 12th–14th cent.) the country was
governed by the military, which preferred boldness to refinement,
action to contemplative atmosphere, and realism to formality.
The new class created a demand for paintings and sculptures
portraying officials, warriors, priests, and poets. The school of the
sculptor Jocho was continued by Kokei, Kaikei, and Unkei, the
principal Kamakura sculptor. These artists imbued their works with
a vigor and attention to realistic detail that was never equaled.
9. The Muromachi Period
The Muromachi period (1392–1573) ushered in a renaissance of
Chinese-style ink painting. The Zen sect of Buddhism, which enjoyed a
growing popularity in the early Kamakura period, received the
continued support of the new rulers. Ink painting was accepted as a
means of teaching Zen doctrine. Such priest-painters
as Josetsu, Shubun, and Sesshu are the most revered of Japanese
landscapists. Their works are characterized by economy of execution,
forceful brushstrokes, and asymmetrical composition, with emphasis
on unfilled space. During this period sculpture began to lose its
Buddhist inspiration.
10. The Momoyama Period
Architectural sculpture was on a par with the unprecedented
grandeur and ostentation achieved in painted screens of the
Momoyama period (1568–1615). At this time constant warfare
created a need for many great fortresses. Their interiors were
lavishly decorated with screens painted in strong, thick colors
against a gold background. The Kano family of artists
succeeded in fusing the technique of Chinese ink painting with
the decorative quality of Japanese art.
11. The Edo Period to the Twentieth
Century
The
school of painting started in the Edo period
(1615–1867) by Koetsu Hon'ami and Sotatsu
Tawaraya and continued by Ogata Korin and
Ogata Kenzan represented a return to the
native tradition of Japanese painting.
12. Recent Japanese Art
In the mid-19th cent. A few print designers attained distinction,
but no masters appeared to equal their predecessors. In the
20th century. The majority of painters and sculptors have been
overwhelmingly influenced by Western styles. Contemporary
Japanese painters such as Taikan Yokoyama and Kiyoteru
Kuroda have received international acclaim. In lacquerware,
ceramics, and textiles traditional forms have been retained,
and modern Japanese pottery is widely esteemed.
