Let’s say the big picture first! Japanese art values “simplicity, nature and a sense of imperfection” rather than realism or grandeur.

Japanese art developed not mainly for individual expression, but as part of religion, nature, and daily life.

Main characteristics of Japanese Art:

1. Harmony with nature
2. Harmony is not just a subject, but a partner. Nature is not something to control, but to be with us in our living.
3. Four seasons, including cherry blossoms, foliage, and snow, are important themes.
   Example: Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji

4. Empty space and subtle expression
Empty space is considered an important part of its composition

• It leaves space for imagination, instead of showing everything in detail. The empty space is where the viewer’s imagination enters.
• What is not shown is as important as what is shown
  
• 5.Imperfection (Wabi-Sabi)
• Imperfection and aging can be beautiful.
• Example: “Kintsugi” (the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery)
• Japanese Art Genre

Ukiyo-e

• Commoners’ culture, like magazines or posters, Kabuki actors, Scenery
• Example: Katsushika Hokusai

Ink painting

• Express nature and mentality only with ink.

Tea Ceremony & Craft

• Japanese art is not only for museums, but part of daily life.
• The object was not made to be perfect or symmetrical. It was made to be used, touched, and aged.

What is the difference between Western art and Japanese art?

• Western art often tries to reproduce reality, while Japanese art tries to express its essence.
• Japanese artists often sought to capture the spirit or atmosphere rather than the exact form.
• In Japanese aesthetics, something imperfect or temporary can be more beautiful than something perfect.

• Western: reality, perspective method, human-centered, artist’s fame
• Japanese: many unknown artisans, many group works, symbolic, flat, harmony with nature

Historical background

• Japan was isolated for a long time; art developed without Renaissance ideas like perspective or anatomy.

• Japanese art history is quite different from Western art. Historically, Japanese art developed independently until the Meiji Period, when the government opened the country to the outside world.
• There was a major shift during the Meiji Period (1868~1912), when Japan began adopting Western styles such as perspective and oil painting. But even then, the traditional aesthetic didn’t disappear, and Japanese artists still value traditional ideas today.