2. The Principles of Japanese Art
•Japan is an island nation in East Asia located in
the Pacific Ocean, just off eastern coast of
mainland Asia. Its landscape is a magnificent
fusion of modern life and ancient tradition with its
cosmopolitan cities and imperial palaces;
skyscrapers and age- old shrines and temples;
bullet trains and mountains parks; and many
happier contradictions.
3. Japanese
•It has a long and proud traditional heritage
that is uniquely its own. of Japanese
society bear the Chinese influence, Japan
developed its own distinct art and culture
that stems from its unique geography and
environment, as well as its spiritual and
religious beliefs.
4. Visual Art
•Japanese visual arts are greatly
influenced by their beliefs in
forces of nature (Shintoism) and
the impermanence of life
(Buddhism).
5. Visual Art
•Western influence on Japanese
art did not come into play until
much later. This began in the
early 17th century and lasted
until the late 19th century.
6. Visual Art
•During the feudal period, the samurai
adapted the values of a new form of
Buddhism called Zen- Buddhism,
which highlights intimacy with nature,
simplicity, and self- discipline. This
concept of simplicity or minimalistic
details in Japanese art basically came
from the teachings of Zen-Buddhism.
7. Painting
•Japanese painting is considered its
oldest art and flourished during the
height of the Heian period (794-1185).
During this period, Chinese influence
was gradually declining and native
Japanese styles flourished.
8. Painting
•Painting is the most preferred
artistic expression in Japan. Until
the advent of the modern era,
Japanese artisans would rather
use the brush in writing than using
a pen.
9. Painting
•Storytelling was also done through
painting. The Burning of the Sanjo
Palace is a handscroll, a common East
Asia painting format known in Japan as
emaki. The nearly 23 feet long
handscroll illustrates a shocking revolt
that took place on one evening in
December 1159 AD.
