3/30/26 HUMA

UQOA Prints

  • Definition of UQOA

    • UQOA translates to "floating world painting" (Ukiyo-e in Japanese).

    • The term encompasses all Ukiyo-e prints, including actor prints and landscapes.

  • Popularity and Context

    • Ukiyo-e prints were particularly popular during the Edo period (1615 - 1868).

    • They portray various aspects of life in Edo Japan, including drama and poetry.

Types of Ukiyo-e Prints

  • Actor Prints

    • Represent famous Japanese actors, often collected as posters.

    • The genre includes examples from different schools of artisans.

    • Distinction between big head prints (large actor faces dominate the print) and action-based prints.

  • Poetry Books

    • Included illustrations paired with small written poems depicting scenes from the artwork (referred to as mad poetry).

    • Format follows a syllabic structure of 5-7-5-7-7, commonly humorous and witty.

  • Education and Literacy

    • Literacy was initially exclusive to the elite class; increasing wealth among commoners raised literacy rates leading to more printed works.

Printing Techniques and Special Features

  • Mass Production

    • Relief printing techniques capable of producing thousands of prints; cost comparable to street food (e.g., instant noodles).

  • Special Edition Prints

    • Exclusive prints for wealthy patrons could include:

    • Mica powder for a shimmering effect, akin to glitter in pigments.

    • Blind embossments to create texture without ink.

    • Example: patterns in the fabric of a kimono achieved through embossment.

  • Surimono

    • High-quality, commissioned poetry books showcasing exquisite print techniques.

Influential Artists

  • Hokusai

    • Known for illustrated poetry books and prints, contributing significantly to the Ukiyo-e tradition.

Cultural Representations in Prints

  • Leisure Activities

    • Depicted scenes of socializing, including women picnicking and bird watching, compared to Heian period portrayals.

  • Artistic Representation of Women

    • Shift from loose flowing hair to confined hairstyles demonstrates a cultural evolution.

    • Common portrayals incorporated European influences like smoking tobacco introduced by the Portuguese.

  • Mount Fuji

    • A constant and sacred presence in Japanese art, symbolizing cultural significance.

Artwork Analysis

  • Hokusai's "Under the Wave off Kanagawa" (commonly known as "The Great Wave")

    • Represents Mount Fuji with a sense of scale; large wave crashing into small boats, exemplifying nature's power.

    • Foam depicted with tendril-like forms suggests beauty and potential danger.

    • The artwork highlights Japanese respect for nature while acknowledging its destructiveness.

Transition to Islamic Art: Umayyad and Abbasid Dynasties

  • Overview of Islamic Art

    • Focus on the Umayyad (circa 600-1000 CE) and Abbasid dynasties.

    • Discussion of the Five Pillars of Islam crucial for understanding the context of Islamic artwork:

Five Pillars of Islam

  • Faith: Declaration of the belief in one God (Allah) and Prophet Muhammad as His messenger.

  • Prayer: Muslims pray five times daily facing Mecca.

  • Almsgiving: Financial support for those in need within the community.

  • Fasting: Observing fast during Ramadan.

  • Pilgrimage: Journey to Mecca at least once if able.

Prophet Muhammad and Early Islam

  • Life of Muhammad

    • Born in Mecca; became a trader and was orphaned early.

    • Received divine revelations around age 40 urging the preaching of Islam.

  • Conflict in Mecca

    • Muhammad initially faced opposition from Mecca's elite leading to his relocation to Medina.

    • Eventually returned to Mecca and cleansed the Kaaba to promote monotheism.

Islamic Architecture

  • Dome of the Rock

    • Built between 691-692 CE; significant religious site for Muslims.

    • Symbolizes the triumph of Islamic culture; built on the site believed to be where Muhammad ascended to heaven.

  • Interior of the Dome

    • Features elaborate mosaics but avoids human/animal imagery in line with Islamic tradition.

    • The exterior decorated lavishly with mosaics, which might include remnants of Roman architectural influences.

  • Great Mosque of Damascus

    • Originally a Byzantine church, later converted to a mosque.

    • Symbolizes the Islamic community's growth and includes features like a large prayer hall and decorative mosaics representing paradise.

Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi: A Desert Palace

  • Function and Design

    • Originally built for Caliph al-Walid; served as a retreat and a place for negotiation away from the public eye.

    • Combined luxury with practical design for desert living (e.g., bathhouses, walls for flood protection).

  • Fresco and Decoration

    • Features unique frescoes that depict scenes of nature and human activity, challenging norms of Islamic art which typically avoided figural representations.

Artistic Influence and Continuity

  • Blending Cultures

    • Islamic artwork draws much from Byzantine styles; shared motifs and themes between the two cultures indicate influence.

    • Notable architectural coherence between secular, religious spaces like the Great Mosque and Dome of the Rock.

Conclusion

  • Upcoming classes will explore further Islamic art developments in the Abbasid dynasty and the evolution of monumental architecture and themes depicted within Islamic art.

  • Students are encouraged to engage with the material and to reach out with any concerns or questions ahead of the next class or the upcoming test.