Notes on Japanese Arts & Crafts

ORIGAMI

  • Definition: Traditional Japanese art of paper folding.
  • Originates from Japanese words "ori" (folding) and "kami" (paper).
  • Process: Involves folding a sheet of paper to create sculptures without the use of scissors, glue, or tape.
  • Common Models:
  • Flowers
  • Fish
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Geometric shapes
  • Cultural Significance: According to legend, creating a thousand origami cranes grants a wish.

UKIYO-E (Woodblock Printing)

  • Definition: An artistic genre producing woodblock prints and paintings.
  • Depicts travel scenes, sumo wrestlers, kabuki actors, beauty, history, and folklore.
  • Notable Work: The Great Wave of Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai.
  • Details:
    • Created in late 1831 during the Edo period.
    • Illustrates boats in a stormy sea with Mount Fuji in the background.
    • Symbolizes nature's power and human vulnerability.
    • Features Prussian blue pigment, a new material at the time.

ANIME

  • Definition: Style of hand-drawn book and animation originating in Japan.
  • Cultural References: Early anime contained unique Japanese cultural references; characters had large eyes viewed as "windows to the soul."
  • Target Audience: Mainly aimed at children, but can also feature adult themes.
  • History:
  • Modern anime began in 1956.
  • Gained success in 1961 with Mushi Productions by Osamu Tezuka, significant for modern manga influence.

KABUKI

  • Definition: Traditional Japanese theater combining acting, singing, dancing, and costumes to portray dramatic stories.
  • Origin: Emerged in early 17th century during the Edo period.
  • Known for vibrant performances and stylized movements.
  • Theatrical Performance: Features live actors presenting historical events, moral tales, and legends with serious and comedic themes.
  • Acting Style:
  • Exaggerated gestures and facial expressions.
  • "MIE Pose": Actors freeze in dramatic poses to emphasize emotions.
  • Music and Sound: Accompanied by live traditional instruments to enhance the atmosphere.
  • Male Actors: All roles, including female characters, performed by men.
  • Onnagata: Male actors trained to portray female roles with grace.
  • Stage Design: Includes revolving stages and trapdoors for dramatic effects.
  • Kabuki Makeup:
  • Types:
    1. Standard Makeup - general use.
    2. Kumadori Makeup - for villains and heroes.
  • Significance:
    • Makeup patterns denote character types, helping audiences recognize roles.
  • Color Codes:
    • Red: Strength and passion.
    • Indigo (blue & black): Fear and evil (for villains).
    • Green: Ghosts or supernatural beings.
    • Purple: Nobility.