Japanese and Chinese Art History

Japanese Art History

A. Jomon and Yayoi Periods

• Jomon Period
  • Japan's earliest distinct culture.
  • Characterized by clay pots designed with coil decorations via rope imprinting.
• Yayoi Period
  • Pottery is simpler and more refined; unglazed with a smooth surface.
  • Introduction of bronze and iron tools, and new art forms like bronze mirrors, bells (dōtaku), and weapons.

B. Kofun Period (ca. 300-552)

• Kofun means "old tomb."
• Largest tumulus attributed to Emperor Nintoku (died in 399), located in Sakai.
  • Kofun features keyhole-shaped burial mounds.
• Notable for haniwa clay figurines which depict humans, animals, houses, and objects, illustrating early Japanese beliefs in the afterlife.

C. Asuka and Nara Periods (552-784)

• Introduction of Buddhism in 552, significantly impacting Japanese art.
• Nara became the capital of the imperial government.
  • Notable architecture such as Horyu-ji kondo, following Chinese models, using ceramic roof tiles.
  • Daibutsuden, the largest wooden building globally, constructed at Todaiji in 743.

D. Heian Period (794-1185)

• The imperial house shifted to Heiankyo (Kyoto).
• Painted mandalas (Womb World, Diamond World) were created for meditation.
• Phoenix Hall at Uji reflects celestial architecture of Buddha's Pure Land.
• Narrative scroll painting became prominent with works like the Tales of Genji.

E. Kamakura Period (1185-1332)

• Power transitioned from the emperor to the first shogun of Kamakura.
• Emergence of realistic wooden portraits and the use of rock crystals for eyes.
• Diverse subjects in Kamakura painting, including historical narratives and Buddhist hanging scrolls.

F. Muromachi Period (1336-1573)

• Paintings showcased great variety, including the haboku (splash-ink) style rooted in Chinese arts.
• Zen Buddhism prominence led to the creation of dry landscape (karesansui) gardens for meditation.

G. Momoyama Period (1573-1615)

• Creation of Momoyama castles.
• Significant works: Chinese Lions painting by Kano Eitoku, reflecting themes of power and bravery.
• The Japanese tea ceremony became an essential social ritual, leading to the design of the first independent teahouse by tea master Sen no Rikyu.

H. Edo Period (1615-1868)

• Ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) gained popularity, depicting scenes from brothels and theaters alongside beautiful women in domestic settings.
• Rinpa school developed, creating decorative screens and scrolls.
• Katsura Imperial Villa set the standard for Japanese domestic architecture with careful attention to proportion, color, and texture.