Japanese Art History
54296
Distant View of Nara
$80 - 8/15/2013
The periods of Japanese art history, such as Kamakura or Muromachi, are often named after the locations of governmental seats.
Jomon and Yayoi Period ca. 11,000 - ca. 250 BC
According to archaeologists, the earliest settlers in Japan were a tribal people known as the Ainu. Over time, the Ainu and their culture were pushed to the northern regions of Japan by the Jomon people (circa 11,000 - 300 BC).
Around 660 BC, according to ancient legends and Chinese chronicles, Jimmu became the first emperor of Japan. By approximately 350 BC, the Yayoi people had invaded Japan. Remnants from this period include pottery vessels, clay figures, and the use of copper and bronze for weapons and religious artifacts such as bells.
Kofun Period ca. 250 BC - 552
The Kofun period, also known as the Tumulus period or Haniwa culture, is characterized by distinctive clay sculptures called haniwa, often found on tombs. Other notable artifacts from this era include bronze mirrors. In 363, Empress Jingo is said to have conquered part of Korea.
Asuka Period 552-645 and Nara Period 646-794
In 552, at the beginning of the Asuka period, Buddhism was introduced to Japan from China. This profoundly influenced Japanese arts, bringing advanced Chinese cultural elements and new techniques in art and architecture.
In 604, Japan's first constitution was established, inspired by China's centralized rule. By the 7th century, Buddhism was firmly rooted in Japan.
In 710, the city of Nara in the Yamato province became Japan's capital. During the Nara period, under Buddhist influence, Japanese art adopted styles from China's Tang dynasty. Many Buddhist temples were constructed, particularly in and around Nara.
Heian Period 794-1185
In 794, the capital moved to Heiankyo (modern-day Kyoto). During the Heian period, a distinctly Japanese artistic culture began to emerge. Around 1005, Lady Murasaki Shikibu, a lady-in-waiting to Empress Akiko, wrote the Tale of Genji, considered the world's first novel. It narrates the life and romantic escapades of Prince Genji, a character reminiscent of a medieval womanizer.
By the 9th century, emperors had largely withdrawn from governance, allowing the Fujiwara family to rise to power. Under their rule, often referred to as the Fujiwara period, Japanese arts and literature flourished.
Kamakura Period 1185-1333
In 1180, a fierce conflict erupted between the powerful Minamoto and Taira clans. After a decisive victory in the naval battle of Dan-no-ura, the Minamoto established a new government in Kamakura. In 1192, Yoritomo became the first shogun. The Kamakura shogunate held actual power in Japan until the resignation of the last shogun in 1867. Meanwhile, the imperial court in Kyoto retained only ceremonial authority. The shift of power from the nobility to the samurai warriors influenced Japanese art, leading to more realistic and accessible styles. Innovations such as Japanese calligraphy and the Japanese tea ceremony also originated during this period.
In 1252, the Great Kamakura Buddha was constructed as part of the Kotokuin Temple of the Jodo sect. Originally housed in a large hall, the structure was destroyed by a storm in 1369, leaving the Buddha in its current open-air setting.
Muromachi Period 1333-1573
The Muromachi period, also known as the Ashikaga period, is named after the Ashikaga clan, which controlled the shogunate. The shogunate's residence was relocated to the Muromachi district of Kyoto. This period saw a return to more aristocratic styles in Japanese art. Zen Buddhism gained widespread popularity, deeply influencing Japanese artists and artisans. Significant commissions were made for the construction and decoration of Zen temples.
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun, built the Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavilion) and its gardens. During this time, intricate gardening and the art of ikebana reached new heights in refinement.
The Kinkakuji temple is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with 17 other temples in Kyoto. Although it was destroyed by fire in 1950, it has since been meticulously rebuilt.
Painting flourished during the Muromachi period, with notable artists such as the monks Shubun and Sesshu. Buddhist monasteries were powerful and wealthy, further supporting artistic endeavors.
In 1543, the Portuguese explorer Mendez Pinto became the first European to reach Japan.
Artworks on Woodblock Prints from the History of Japan
Here are some examples from our archive of sold prints. Clients and consignors of artelino can access our archive of Japanese prints.
42441
Ichikawa Danjuro Engei Hyakuban - Taira no Tomomori
$200 - 11/22/2009
60801
Leaping 8 Boats - The Showdown at Dannoura
$300 - 5/11/2014
54228
The Ladies of Chiyoda Palace - Tea House in Garden with Waterfall
$360 - 10/14/2012
67732
The Tale of Genji - Chapter 33 Fuji no Uraba
$150 - 3/10/2016
93077
Collection of the Famous Castles of Japan - Takamatsu Castle
$100 - 6/18/2023
96541
The Four Seasons of San'in Region - Matsue Castle
$260 - 7/7/2024
96249
Himeji White Heron Castle
$280 - 6/16/2024
Author:
Dieter Wanczura
First Publication: 4/22/2001
Latest Update: 11/16/2024
He was only 15 years old when he ascended the Japanese throne in 1868. When he died in 1912, Japan had risen from a feudal country to a powerful Asian nation shaped after Western patterns. Although Emperor Meiji never executed real power, he became the figurehead of the new era named after him. Subscribe to the artelino youtube channel.
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