Japanese painting is the oldest and most refined form of fine art that spans many techniques and styles. Throughout the history of its existence, it has undergone a large number of changes. New traditions and genres were added, as well as original Japanese principles. Along with the amazing history of Japan, 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, before BC. e. Then art was pretty primitive. First, in 300 BC e., various geometric figures appeared, which were performed on pottery using sticks. To a later time, there is such a find by archaeologists as an ornament on bronze bells.
A little later, already in 300 BC. e., there are cave paintings, which are much more diverse geometric design. These are already full-fledged images with images. They were found inside the crypts, and probably the people who were painted on them were buried in these burial grounds.
In the 7th century AD e. Japan accepts writing that comes from China. Around the same time, the first pictures came from there. Then painting appears as a separate area of art.
Edo
Edo is far from the first and not the last school of Japanese painting, however, it was it that brought a lot of new culture. Firstly, it is the brightness and colorfulness, which were added to the usual technique, performed in black and gray tones. The most outstanding artist of this style is Sotasu. He created classic paintings, but his characters were very colorful. Later, he switched to nature, and most of the landscapes were performed on the background of gilding.
Secondly, in the Edo period, exotic appeared, the Namban genre. It used modern European and Chinese techniques that were intertwined with traditional Japanese styles.
And thirdly, the Nang school appears. In it, at first, artists completely imitate or even copy the works of Chinese masters. Then a new branch appears, which is called the bunging.
Modernization period
The Edo period is replacing Meiji, and now Japanese painting is forced to enter a new stage of development. At that time, such genres as Western and the like became popular around the world, so the modernization of art became the usual state of things. However, in Japan, a country where all people honor traditions, at this time the state of things was significantly different from what was happening in other countries. Competition between European and local technicians flares up sharply here.
The government at this stage gives its preference to young artists who have high hopes for improving skills in Western styles. Therefore, they send them to schools in Europe and America.
But this was only at the beginning of the period. The fact is that famous critics quite strongly criticized Western art. To avoid much excitement around this issue, European styles and techniques began to be banned at exhibitions, their display stopped, as well as popularity.
The emergence of European styles
Next comes the Taisho period. At this time, young artists who went 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 being formed in which ancient Japanese styles are being revived. But it is not possible to completely get rid of Western trends. Therefore, it is necessary to combine several techniques in order to please both lovers of classics and fans of modern European painting.
Some schools are funded by the state, which makes it possible to preserve many of the national traditions. Private traders are forced to follow the lead of consumers who want something new, they are tired of the classics.
Painting of the Second World War
After the onset of wartime, Japanese painting for some time remained aloof from the events. She developed separately and independently. But it could not go on forever.
Over time, when the political situation in the country gets 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 art was not particularly capable of developing during the Second World War. Therefore, for painting it can be called stagnant.
Eternal Suibokuga
Japanese painting sumi-e, or suibokuga, in translation means "ink drawing." This determines the style and technique of this art. It came from China, but the Japanese decided to name it in their own way. And initially, the technique did not have any aesthetic side. It was used by monks to cultivate themselves while studying Zen. Moreover, at first they painted pictures, and subsequently trained concentration when viewing them. The monks believed that strict lines, blurry tones and shadows - all that is called monochrome, help cultivation.
Japanese ink painting, despite a wide variety of paintings and techniques, is not as complex as it might seem at first glance. It is based on only 4 plots:
- Chrysanthemum.
- Orchid.
- Plum branch.
- Bamboo.
A small number of subjects does not make mastering the technique quick. Some masters believe that study lasts a lifetime.
Despite the fact that 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 and 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, artists tried to turn their backs on the losses of war and depict modern urban life on canvas with all its embellishments and features. European and American ideas were successfully accepted, but this state of affairs did not last long. Many masters began to gradually move away from them towards Japanese schools.
The traditional style has always been fashionable. Therefore, modern Japanese painting can differ only in the technique of execution or in the materials that are used in the process. But most artists have a poor perception of various innovations.
It should be noted fashionable modern subcultures, such as anime and similar styles. Many artists try to blur the line between classics and what is in demand today. For the most part, this state of affairs is due to commerce. Classics and traditional genres do not actually buy, respectively, it is disadvantageous to work as an artist in your favorite genre, you need to adapt to fashion.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, Japanese painting is a whole storehouse of fine art. Perhaps the country in question was the only one that did not follow Western trends and did not adapt to fashion. Despite many hits during the advent of new techniques, Japanese artists were still able to defend national traditions in many genres. Perhaps this is why in modern times at exhibitions, paintings made in classical styles are very much appreciated.