The Arts of Japan: Shogun and Zen Buddhism

A set of 24 flashcards covering key concepts, artworks, and terms related to the arts of Japan during the Shogun period and Zen Buddhism.

What do the terms 'bun' and 'bu' represent in Japanese art? What types of artworks exemplify 'bun' accomplishments?

Bun represents literary or civil accomplishments, while bu represents military skill and martial strength. Calligraphy and poetry represents bun, swords and armor represents bu

How did Kei School artists achieve a heightened sense of realism?

By emphasizing muscularity, movement, and heightened details in their work.

Why was art important to the warrior class? What was their purpose

It demonstrated that they were strong fighters as well as cultured, artistic, and educated. The purpose was to show their range in their abilities.

• educated.

If Kei school artists are known for creating realistic sculptures, how does Kōshō’s The Priest Kūya align with or refute that idea?

Its detailed facial features and proportions make it feel realistic, but the figures hovering about the mouth make it feel magical, spiritual and symbolic.

What is the Heiji Monogatari emaki?

Illustrated scrolls of the events of the Heiji Era  - The Heiji Monogatari emaki are illustrated narrative handscrolls that depict the events of the Heiji Rebellion, including scenes of violence, burning buildings, and the kidnapping of the emperor. 

What is the  The Priest Kūya (late 12^th-early 13^th c.; Kamakura Period

Created by the Kei school The figure appears realistic, with detailed clothing and lifelike features, but six small Buddha figures emerge from his mouth to represent the syllables of the prayer he is reciting. The work reflects the Kamakura period’s interest in realism and expressive religious devotion, characteristic of the Kei School..

Kei School of Sculpture (Kamakura Period)

A Japanese school (style) of Buddhist sculpture

What is the Horse Stable folding screen?

 A folding screen painting that shows horses and workers inside a stable, showing scenes of everyday life. The wide format of the screen allows the viewer to see multiple activities happening across the panels at once.

How is the garden at Ryōanji described?

A flat expanse of white gravel with fifteen rocks arranged in small groups.

What does the garden at Daitokuji symbolize?

A river that flows from the mountains to the sea.

How might the experiences of the gardens at Ryōanji and Daitokuji differ?

Ryōanji feels more quiet and introspective, while Daitokuji invites a spiritual journey.

What is the relationship between the text and image in Josetsu’s Catching a Catfish with a Gourd?

The text shows Zen monks’ poetic responses, representing the responsibility represented by the image.

What is the haboku technique in painting?

It is splashed ink and abbreviated brushwork, known as the broken style.

How does the haboku technique relate to Zen Buddhism?

It prioritizes expression over realism, reflecting mental clarity and spontaneity.

What role do Zen gardens play in the practice of Zen Buddhism?

They require viewers to slow down and engage mentally to understand them.

How does Sesshū Tōyō’s Winter Landscape compare to the garden at Ryoan-ji?

Both provoke thought and require deep reflection, similar to a Zen koan.

What is a koan in Zen Buddhism?

Illustrations using narrative, paradox, questions, and dialogue.

What is a kakemono?

A hanging scroll used in Japanese art.

What is sumi-e?

A style of ink painting.

Where is the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) located?

In Kyoto.

What does Josetsu's Catching a Catfish with a Gourd depict?

A man trying to catch a slippery catfish with a gourd.

What is a distinctive feature of Sesshū Tōyō’s Winter Landscape?

It is one of four hanging scrolls representing the four seasons.

What is the design intention of the Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji?

It is designed to be viewed and contemplated rather than walked through.

What overarching theme connects the artworks studied in the lecture on Zen?

Ink painting that emphasizes expression and spontaneity.