September 17 HW Notes History of Japanese Art and Archaeology Study Notes

Japan has historically maintained a distinct cultural identity, influencing its art and cultural expressions.
Despite potential for stagnation, a vibrant array of art forms has flourished, gaining popularity in the West since the mid-19th century.
The book builds on Penelope Mason's original work, expanding coverage to modern Japanese art, and introduces previously overlooked forms such as calligraphy, ceramics, lacquerware, metalware, and textiles.
Emphasizes understanding the historical and social context of various Japanese art forms for better comprehension of Japanese aesthetics.

The Japanese spoken language began to form in pre-historic times, with a written language developing in the 7th Century CE influenced heavily by Chinese.
Kanji (Chinese characters) are foundational to Japanese writing, read in on (Chinese) and kun (Japanese) readings.
Two syllabaries, hiragana and katakana, were developed to represent Japanese syllables, used alongside kanji.
Writing is traditionally vertical, read from top to bottom and right to left.
Romanization of Japanese terms is used, where common terms are presented in anglicized form, while all other terms remain italicized.
Vowel pronunciation is standardized with specific sounds for each vowel.
Names in Japanese Culture
Personal names are structured by family name followed by given name.
Family names often reference geographical locations, and given names can denote birth order.
Individuals may adopt professional or studio names during their lifetime.
Emperors receive reign names upon accession.

Japanese have historically used multiple systems of timekeeping adopted from Chinese practices.
- The sexagenary system, established in 604 CE, combines ten stems and twelve branches (calendar animals).
- The Japanese calendar transitioned in 1873 to the solar system adopted internationally.
Traditional age counting considers a child to be one year old at the New Year, regardless of birth date.
Historical periods in Japan are generally delineated into categories based on political developments, social structure, and archaeological findings.
- Significant periods: Jōmon, Yayoi, Kofun, Asuka, Heian, Medieval, Early Modern, Modern, among others.

Buddhism and Shinto are foundational to Japan's spiritual practices, with an intricate historical relationship.
- Shinto consisting of local deities and an imperial cult, while Buddhism was introduced from Korea.
- The merging of Buddhism and Shinto beliefs took place over centuries.
- Confucianism influenced education and political philosophy, establishing societal structures along academic and moral lines.

The emperor is at the apex, surrounded by the aristocracy, and then the samurai, with farmers, townsfolk, and outcast groups following.
The samurai class assumed control during the medieval period, influencing arts, particularly Zen Buddhism.
The peasantry hold a respected role but generally work for landlords, while townsfolk often hold more economic freedom.
Traditionally, outcasts perform roles deemed unclean.
Post-1868, class distinctions were abolished officially.

New discoveries often amend understanding and chronology of Japanese art history, with ongoing scholarship desired.

Tribute to publishing support and aides in the extensive work on Japanese art history.

Creation myth: The twin gods Izanami and Izanagi procreate to fill the void with islands.
Human history in Japan traces back to connection with the Asian mainland until climatic changes isolated the archipelago.
First human presence about 100,000 years ago; paleolithic artifacts evidence in archaeological findings.
Jōmon period (c. 11,000-400 B.C.E.) characterized by cord-marked pottery showing early social organization.
- Population and settlement patterns evolved over Jōmon phases.
Yayoi period (c. 400 B.C.E.-300 C.E.) represents a shift towards agriculture, rice cultivation, and metalwork, potentially from Korean colonization.
Transition highlighted by changes in tools, cooking methods, and complex societal structures.
Kofun period (300-710 C.E.): marked by monumental burial mounds, reflecting authority and elaborate burial customs, with artifacts indicating social stratification and ritual practices.