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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.