Week 15 Slides - canvas
Edo Period Overview
Edo Period: Spanning from 1615 to 1868, this era is also known as the Tokugawa period.
The center of power shifted to Edo, present-day Tokyo, known as the Eastern capital.
The National Isolation Policy was implemented in 1639, restricting foreign influence.
Types of Painting in the Edo Period
Rinpa Painting: A decorative style emphasizing beauty in both painting and crafts, establishing a connection to literary sources.
Literati Painting: Known as Bunjinga or Nanga, rooted in Chinese traditions focusing on the expression of ideas over realism.
Eccentric Painting: Individualistic styles emerging, often showcasing unconventional themes.
Zen Painting: Reflecting Zen principles in its simplicity and depth.
Rinpa School Artists (17th - 19th Century)
The Rinpa name derives from the artist Ogata Kōrin (1658-1716).
Founders: Noted artists include Sotatsu and Koetsu from early 17th century Kyoto.
Characteristics:
Decorative elements emphasizing bold forms and colors.
Related to a deep respect for tradition and accumulated knowledge.
Notable Works of Rinpa School Artists
Sotatsu:
"Thunder God and Wind God", a pair of two-fold screens decorated with color and gold leaf (Edo period).
Hon'ami Koetsu:
"Boat Bridge", an early 17th-century writing box made from lacquered wood, emphasizing the decorative arts.
Ogata Kōrin:
"Yatsuhashi" (Eight-Plank Bridge) screens, colors, and gold leaf on paper (ca. 1709-1716).
"Irises" screens (1701-1705) reminiscent in style to Van Gogh’s works.
"Red and White Plum Blossoms", creating visual harmony through color and composition.
Influence of Chinese Literati Painting
Also known as Bunjinga or Nanga, heavily influenced by Chinese literati painting, emphasizing:
Shai (写意): The idea behind the art rather than realism.
Ikkaku (一格): The artist's unique personality shines through.
Ike Taiga and Gyokuran were notable artists, creating works such as "True View of Kojima Bay" and "Peach Blossom Idyll", respectively.
Eccentric and Individualistic Artists
Nagasawa Rosetsu: Noted for works like "Tiger" and "Bull and Puppy", showcasing unique interpretations within traditional formats.
Hakuin Ekaku: Known for Zen paintings such as "Hotei Meditating", emphasizing the spiritual aspects of art.
Ukiyo-e (Floating World Pictures)
A genre focusing on entertainment, landscapes, and beauty.
Supported primarily by the merchant class, it manifested in various forms:
Bijin-ga: Portraying beautiful women.
Landscape Prints: Capturing scenic beauty.
Women of Fashion at Leisure: Multi-panel screens showcasing elegant lifestyles.
Woodblock Printing Process
Ukiyo-e Printmaking Steps:
Eshi (painter) designs and sketches the print.
Horishi (carver) prepares the woodblocks, each representing a color in the final print.
Careful layering of prints on paper, requiring precise alignment and timing.
Development Toward Nishiki-e
Nishiki-e (Brocade Pictures): Innovated in the 1760s allowing for multi-colored designs.
Artists like Suzuki Harunobu pioneered this style with pieces like "Flowers of Beauty in the Floating World" (1769).
Key Artists and Works of the Edo Period
Kitagawa Utamaro: Renowned for works like "Night Rain" and studies in female beauty.
Katsushika Hokusai: Famous for prints like "Red Fuji" and "The Great Wave", significantly emphasizing landscape.
Ando Hiroshige: Celebrated for his "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo", merging art with geography.
Cultural and Social Aspects of Edo Period
The Edo period operated under a strict four-class system: Samurai, Farmers, Artisans, and Merchants.
Known for Yoshiwara, a licensed pleasure district, and performances like Kabuki theater.
Homework Assignments and Exam Schedules
Review Textbook (pp. 354-372).
HW #15: East Asian Painting & Architecture, due December 4.
Final Exam: Scheduled for December 16, open-book policy with no digital devices.