1. Untitled Sazuki Harunobu, 1768 Japanese Woodblock Print
Japanese art is often described as “calligraphic” meaning the lines flow like those found in artistic lettering a.k.a. calligraphy. Describe the qualities of lines that you see in this image? Are they all the same or do they contrast? Are they uniform in thickness or do they vary? What type of expressive quality do they reflect?

2. The waterfall where Yoshisune washed his horse, Yoshino, Yamato Province Katsushika Hokusai Japanese Woodblock painting (Ukiyo-e period)
What does the artist tell us about the relationship of nature to the event that is being depicted? Which seems to be more important to the artist? Does this relationship effect the narrative (storytelling) aspect of the artwork?

3. Untitled Artist Unknown
Artists of the Western (European) tradition tend to seek balance and stability in their compositions. Artists of the Asian cultures often did the exact opposite, deliberately arranging their subject in an unbalanced manner.
When do you think an unbalanced composition is better? For what reason would you want to create an image that was unbalanced?

4. Untitled Artist Unknown
In Japan and China, the art of calligraphy (writing as an art form) was considered on of the highest modes of artistic expression. Artists studied for years trying to perfect their technique and skill at creating symbols to represent all sorts of subject matter. Why do you think this art form flourished in these cultures? What attitude does this demonstrate about how the Japanese and Chinese people have in relation to the arts?

5. Dawn at Futamigaura Utagawa Kunisada 1818 Japanese woodblock print
What are the key differences that you see in the style of the Japanese / Chinese artists and that of European artists? How do they use color shape and value differently? Which relies more on a style based on natural realism?