About Japanese Art

When many people think about Japanese art, the first name that comes to mind is Hiroshige, a 19th-century artist of landscape prints. His romantic depictions represent only a fraction of Japanese art. From ancient folk art to contemporary anime cartoons, traditional brush paintings to woodblock prints, Japanese art covers centuries of history and creative work. Some of Japan's most famous art forms are its clay vessels, ceramics, Buddhist temples, scroll paintings, monumental sculptures, calligraphy, landscape painting, Ukiyo-E prints, Kabuki theater, performance art, art installations, art happenings, conceptual art, wearable art, Zen rock gardens, design, manga comics and animation.

History

The earliest creative expression of Japanese people is found in the Jomon period, dating from as early as 11,000 BC. The Jomon people created clay vessels with decorative motifs. These vessels served as storage containers. The ensuing Yayoi immigrants created weapons from copper and bells from bronze. The Kofun period, dating from 250 AD, marks the creation of the notable haniwa clay guardian figures. The following centuries saw a rapid rise in the development of Buddhism, and many artworks were created for ritual and worship purposes.

Types

Among Japan's most famous art forms is its ceramics. Pottery and porcelain works are one of the country's first art forms. Modern artists in the 1920s revived interest in age-old ceramic traditions by utilizing ancient glazing techniques and using traditional kilns. Japanese woodblock prints are another famous art form, with Katsushika Hokusai's dramatic waves and Hiroshige's Ukiyo-E works being the most notable. The cities of Kyoto, Nara and Kamakura provide great insight into the Japanese tradition of creating ornate Buddhist temples, complete with halls, pagodas, gates and bells.

Time Frame

Ancient Japanese art is replete with items that married form and function, such as weapons, cooking implements, musical instruments, storage vessels, adornments and objects for worship. By the end of the Heian period, in the 11th century, e-maki hand scrolls marked a shift in style. The most scroll is the "Tale of Genji", a visual recounting of Prince Genji's adventures and romances. After World War II, American pop culture and cartoon influences inspired manga comics which eventually led to the development of anime cartoon styles by the likes of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.

Considerations

These days, much of commercial Japanese art is immersed in pop culture. There is plush art, reminiscent of the kuai cute movement of Hello Kitty and friends. There are vinyl toys, such as those created by Bandai Godzilla and Gargamel, signed and numbered by artists and released in limited editions. You can't talk about contemporary Japanese art without mentioning Superflat, the style invented and made famous by artist Takashi Murakami. Incorporating the influence of cartoons and packaging, the art uses bright colors and a flat perspective to critique the shallowness of modern consumerism.

Expert Insight

Giant Robot magazine (see Resources) is an insider's source to what is happening in Asian and Asian-American pop culture. The print magazine, website, blog and multiple galleries that fall under the Giant Robot empire are the go-to guides for seeing contemporary Japanese art by the likes of Masakatsu Sashie and Eishi Takaoka.

Resources

• Giant Robot magazine