Art from Japan between the 1400-1600

1. Japan
1400-1600 A.D.
Alanna Mahar
ART-114-S1-2022SP

2. Storage Jar
Created between the 14th-15th century, this
massive jar was built through several layers of
clay coils. Its unappealing appearance is primarily
due to where hardwood ash settled onto its
molten surface from a large tunnel kiln. This jar
demonstrates that during its creation, there were
still mastering the flame and still learning to mold
as the jar had a rugged surface.

3. Orchids and Rock
Its creation originates sometime within the late 15th century
and early 16th century by Gyokuen Bonpō. Orchids and
rocks are symbolic and display the the scholar’s purity of
heart, loyalty, and integrity

4. Portrait of a Zen
Master
This 15th century sculpture depicts a zen
master. Sculptures during these times
often had a focus on realism on the face
in order to create a feeling of present
these were usually found in Zen temples
which represent a connection between
the disciples and lineage from Buddha.

5. Su Shi (Dongpo) in a
Bamboo Hat and Clogs
Su Shi’s writing were loved in medieval Japan (prior
to 1460). The poem pertains a lone figure with
wide-brimmed hat and sandals trudges traversing a
murky landscape following his exile and depicts his
travels.

6. Kabuto of
Armorers
Dating back to the 15th to 16th
century, the name ,Suji-kabuto
Akoda-nari, comes from type of
helmet, and the squash like
shape. Constructed with
fifty-two rigid plates at the
back. It was used by the
armorers of the Haruta school
in Nara.

7. Sumi- zukin Kabuto
This square hat, called sumi-zukin, usually worn by
old men, physicians, and priests. The front crest on
sumi-zukin represents the protective Buddhist deity
Acana consumed in flames. Its unique design and
color scheme, represents the aesthetics of the
Momoyama period (1573–1615).

8. Gibbons in a
Landscape
Painted by Sesson Shūkei, this painting is a japanese interpretation of
Muqi’s style. This painting of a chain of gibbons attempts to grab the
reflection of the moon in the water, symbolically representing the
meaningless effort that in Zen signifies the delusions of the
unawakened mind.

10. Birds and Flowers of the Four
Seasons
This unity of flowers in a seasonal transition from spring to winter celebrates
longevity with the symbolic cranes present. The strong ink outlines, brilliant
colors and golden background is the formula created by Kano Motonobu.
These screens represent the lavish lifestyle in the mansions and temples of
the capital during the era.

11. Whose Sleeves?
These screens invite viewers to
speculate over who owns these
beautiful robes. However, the bigger
mystery was that the right side of
painting screens did not match the
timeline, it was painted at a later date
due to one of the robes being specific
to a time period.

12. Sake Ewer with Unique Crests in
Alternating Fields
Characterized by bold, large-scale patterns, autumn
grass motifs, and crests executed in gold on a black
ground, this Kōdaiji style is associated with
Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his wife Nene. Hideyoshi
used this style to represent his political power and
authority and became a signature style for him.

13. Bibliography
https:/
/www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/44637
https:/
/www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/44857
https:/
/www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/44898
https:/
/www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/39659
https:/
/www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/22158
https:/
/www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/24014
https:/
/www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/44696
https:/
/www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/44523
https:/
/www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/45375
https:/
/www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/44859