Learn the History
Step1
Study historical Japanese art. The oldest Japanese art is Buddhist sculpture, calligraphy and secular sculpture from historical periods up until the 17th and 18th Centuries. Sculptures tend to be detailed and sometimes very realistic.
Step2
Grasp the importance of calligraphy. For much of Japanese history people wrote with brushes and ink rather than pens, and Japanese brushwork remains prevalent. You may find calligraphy used in modern and ancient artworks, or you may find influences of calligraphy in other brushwork, including sweeping strokes, detailed brush lines and sharp edges between forms.
Step3
Learn the difference between woodblock prints and paintings. Woodblock prints are produced by carving a wooden block and using the block to press paint onto scrolls or other surfaces to produce an image. Historically, woodblock prints are a prevalent form of Japanese art.
Step4
Observe the polarities in Japanese art. Japanese periods range from extremely realistic to utterly simplistic. Some works may consist of stark color contrasts while others display a wide spectrum. The importance of religious art in ancient Japan and secular art during later periods provides another contrast.
Step5
Search for Western influences, including ancient Greek elements in historic sculpture and Western realism and painting techniques. Japan has embraced and incorporated many Western influences, so look for connections with other art you are familiar with.
Step6
Search for Eastern influences, such as the Chinese introduction of Buddhism and religious art and ceramics. Japanese art later turned away from Chinese art forms in resistance to religion and emphasized secular art, so look for influences that are both incorporated and resisted.
Look for Unconventional Art
Step1
Observe both ancient or traditional architecture and modern architecture. Both styles blend simplicity of form with detailed decor. Look for the same characteristics in performing art, such as kabuki theater.
Step2
Find artistic elements in Manga cartoons, graphic design and popular art in media. Worldwide, popular art forms are gaining legitimacy as art and many artists move towards a flat aesthetic, which is simplistic and rejects the illusion of depth.
Step3
Learn about nonconventional art forms like Bento, the art of packing a lunch, in which foods are organized with attention to aesthetics into little compartments in the Bento box. Origami is both an art and a game for children, and it can produce beautiful, complex creations.
Step4
Enjoy natural art like rock gardens, bonsai trees and ikebana, or Japanese flower arrangement. Adapting nature as an art form expresses harmony with nature and refined control over one's environment.
