ようこそ 日本の芸術へ Welcome to Japanese Art Jerry Seo ( ジェリー ), Nat Fitz-Morris ( ナット ) Block: B

About Japanese Painting ( 桧画 ) Japanese painting, or Kaiga ( 桧画 ) [ かいが ] is one of the oldest and the most developed of the Japanese art. Japanese painting went through numerous periods, with the Muromachi period and the Postwar period being the most significant. The origins of Japanese painting dates back to Ancient Japan. A painting from the Edo Period

The Muromachi Period Possibly one of the most influential period for painting and visual arts overall in the history of Japan. Suibokuga, a type of painting characterized quick brush strokes, replaced the scroll painting of past periods. Ink painting became more available and more people were able to adopt and develop different styles of painting. Pine Trees, 1593, a popular painting from this period

Paintings from the Muromachi Period Two examples of “Suibokuga” (Left and Center) Catching a catfish with a gourd, Josetsu.

The Postwar Period The Japanese Art Academy is found (1947). First institute to be sponsored by the government. Paintings were usually about: cities, flickering lights, neon colors, city lights, etc. Paintings focused on cities and towns, unlike past periods, which focused more on nature. Kuroda Seiki, Lakeside, 1897.

Muromachi period and Postwar Period painting comparison Left: Muromachi Period Right: Postwar Period

***QUIZ*** What is the Japanese word for Painting? A. げいじゅつ B. きもの C. せつぶん D. かいが What did the paintings in the Postwar Period mainly focus on? What did the paintings in the Postwar Period mainly focus on?

About Japanese Woodblock Printing ( 木版画 ) [ もくはんが ] Technique of art best known for its Ukiyo-e ( 浮世絵 ) [ うきえ ] genre and its wide use in printing books. During the rule of Shogunate Ieyasu Tokugawa (17 th Century), printing was used among numerous arts to print books and cheap art prints as well. Katsushika Hokusai, Teahouse at Koishikawa. An example of a “Ukiyo-e”

Examples of Japanese woodblock prints Left: Sumizuri-e Right: Aizuri-e

A demonstration of how woodblock printing is done  obSAM obSAM obSAM  This video features a demonstration of how woodblock printing is done. To summarize, traditional woodblock printing was accomplished by spreading paint on a curved wood then transferred to the paper. An example of a “Ukiyo-e,” which features Mount Fuji.

About Japanese Masks Japanese masks are an important part of an ancient, sophisticated theatrical tradition. The most recent style of masks, Nogaku ( 能楽 ) [ のがく ] have been developed from past styles such as: gigaku ( ぎがく ) and bugaku ( ぶがく ). These masks are very light and are often worn for very long performances. Various examples of “Noh” Masks.

***Quiz*** What type of masks did the Nogaku masks adapt from? True or False? Nogaku masks are often heavy and are worn for very long performances. An example of a performance Which includes “Noh” masks.

About Japanese Tattoos Japan has a form of tattooing called: Irezumi ( 入れ墨 ) [ いれずみ ], which roughly translates to: putting ink inside skin to leave a permanent mark. Tattoos were only used for spiritual and decorative purposes until the Yayoi period (300 BC ~ 300 AD) when it served as status symbols. Starting in the Kofun period (300 AD ~ 600 AD), Irezumi was used more of a punishment to criminals. Many years from 1945, the Irezumi was largely associated with the Yakuza. An example of Irezumi from the past. Published around the 1880s (During The Meiji Period).

Examples of Irezumi Below: Modern examples of Irezumi.

About Kakejiku ( 掛軸 )  A Kakejiku ( 掛軸 ) [ かけじく ] is a Japanese scroll that features a painting or calligraphy.  It is mounted on soft silk with flexible backing so it can be rolled up and transported easily.  A kaekjiku is intended to be hung up inside a room as a decoration. Examples of various types of “Kakejiku”

An example of a Kakejiku from home This is a form of Kakejiku my grandmother made and written for my family. It explains that our family should lead a righteous life, act kindly towards others, and spread knowledge to help and to benefit my country.

About Japanese Seals ( 印鑑 )  Japanese seals are called: Inkan ( 印 鑑 ) [ いんかん ] or hanko ( 判子 ) [ は んこ ]. The term inkan is the most used and understood term for seals.  At first, only the emperor could hold a hanko. But afterwards, nobles, samurais, and even ordinary people could use a hanko.  Hanko is much like a signature in the Japanese culture. An example of what an emperor’s Hanko would look like.

Examples of Japanese Hanko Hanko off-the-shelf. Personalized modern Hanko

***Final Test*** 1.What is かいが ? 2.What type of Woodblock prints use no color? A. すみずりえ B. あいずりえ C. べにずりえ D. うるしえ 3. Starting from 1945, what were largely associated with the Irezumi? 4. What are Hanko like in Japanese culture? (What do they represent/do?)

The end どもありがとう !!!