Japanese painting. Modern Japanese painting

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Japanese painting is the oldest and most refined form of fine art that embraces many techniques and styles. Throughout its history, it has undergone a large number of changes. New traditions and genres were added, and the original Japanese principles remained. Along with the amazing history of Japan, the painting is also ready to present many unique and interesting facts.

Ancient Japan

The first styles of Japanese painting appear in the most ancient historical period of the country, even before Christ. e. Back then, art was pretty primitive. First, in 300 B. C. e., various geometric figures appeared, which were made on pottery with the help of sticks. Such a find by archaeologists as an ornament on bronze bells belongs to a later time.

A little later, already in 300 AD. e., rock paintings appear, which are much more diverse than geometric ornament. These are already full-fledged images with images. They were found inside the crypts, and probably the people who are painted on them were buried in these burial grounds.

In the 7th century A. D. e. Japan adopts a script thatcomes from China. Around the same time, the first paintings come from there. Then painting appears as a separate area of art.

Edo

Edo is not the first and not the last school of Japanese painting, but it was she who brought a lot of new things to the culture. Firstly, it is the brightness and brilliance that were added to the usual technique, performed in black and gray tones. Sotasu is considered the most prominent artist of this style. He created classic paintings, but his characters were very colorful. Later, he switched to nature, and most of the landscapes were done against a background of gilding.

Secondly, during the Edo period, the exotic, the namban genre, appeared. It used modern European and Chinese techniques, which were intertwined with traditional Japanese styles.

And thirdly, the Nang school appears. In it, the artists first completely imitate or even copy the works of Chinese masters. Then a new branch appears, which is called bunjinga.

Modernization period

The Edo period replaces the Meiji, and now Japanese painting is forced to enter a new stage of development. At this time, genres such as the western and the like were becoming popular around the world, so the modernization of art became a common state of affairs. However, in Japan, a country where all people revere traditions, at this time the situation was significantly different from what happened in other countries. Here, competition between European and local technicians flares up sharply.

The government at this stage gives its preference to young artists who show great promise to improve their skills in Western styles. So they send them to schools in Europe and America.

But it was only at the beginning of the period. The fact is that well-known critics have criticized Western art quite strongly. To avoid a big stir around this issue, European styles and techniques began to be banned from exhibitions, their display stopped, as well as their popularity.

The emergence of European styles

Next comes the Taisho period. At this time, young artists who left to study in foreign schools come back to their homeland. Naturally, they bring with them new styles of Japanese painting, which are very similar to European ones. Impressionism and post-impressionism appear.

At this stage, many schools are formed in which ancient Japanese styles are being revived. But it is not possible to completely get rid of Western tendencies. Therefore, we have to combine several techniques to please both lovers of the classics and fans of modern European painting.

Some schools are funded by the state, thanks to which many of the national traditions are preserved. Private traders, on the other hand, are forced to follow the lead of consumers who wanted something new, they are tired of the classics.

Painting during the Second World War

After the onset of wartime, Japanese painting remained aloof from events for some time. It developed separately and independently. But it couldn't go on like this forever.

Over time, when the political situation in the country is getting worse, high and respected figures attract many artists. Some of them, even at the beginning of the war, begin to create in patriotic styles. The rest begin this process only by order of the authorities.

Accordingly, Japanese fine arts during the Second World War were unable to develop especially. Therefore, for painting, it can be called stagnant.

Eternal suibokuga

Japanese sumi-e painting, or suibokuga, means "ink painting". This determines the style and technique of this art. It came from China, but the Japanese decided to give it their own name. And initially the technique did not have any aesthetic side. It was used by the monks for self-improvement while studying Zen. Moreover, at first they drew pictures, and later they trained their concentration while viewing them. The monks believed that strict lines, blurry tones and shadows helped perfection - all that is called monochrome.

Japanese ink painting, despite the wide variety of paintings and techniques, is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. It is based on only 4 plots:

1. Chrysanthemum.
2. Orchid.
3. Plum branch.
4. Bamboo.

A small number of plots does not make mastering the technique fast. Some masters believe that learning lasts a lifetime.

Even thoughthat sumi-e appeared a long time ago, it is always in demand. Moreover, today you can meet the masters of this school not only in Japan, it is widespread far beyond its borders.

Modern period

At the end of the Second World War, art in Japan flourished only in large cities, villagers and villagers had enough worries. For the most part, the artists tried to turn their backs on the losses of the war and depict modern urban life with all its embellishments and features on canvas. European and American ideas were successfully adopted, but this state of affairs did not last long. Many masters began to gradually move away from them towards Japanese schools.

Traditional style has always been fashionable. Therefore, modern Japanese painting can differ only in the technique of execution or the materials used in the process. But most artists do not perceive various innovations well.

Not to mention the trendy contemporary subcultures such as anime and similar styles. Many artists are trying to blur the line between the classics and what is in demand today. For the most part, this state of affairs is due to commerce. Classics and traditional genres are not actually bought, therefore, it is unprofitable to work as an artist in your favorite genre, you need to adapt to fashion.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, Japanese painting is a treasure trove of fine arts. Perhaps, the country in question remained the only one that did not follow Western trends,did not adapt to fashion. Despite many blows during the advent of new techniques, Japanese artists still managed to defend national traditions in many genres. This is probably why paintings made in classical styles are highly valued at exhibitions today.