Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: art

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Arita ware

有田焼伊万里焼
alternative words: Arita, Aritayaki, Arita yaki, Arita ceramic, Imari ware, Imari, Imari yaki, Imariyaki, Imari ceramic
keywords: art , craft , korea , thing
related topics: Toyotomi Hideyoshi , Invasion of Korea , Satsuma ware
related web sites: http://www.imari.ne.jp
explanation: Ceramic made at Arita city in Saga prefecture. It is also called Imari ware after the name of its export harbor. The ceramic was invented in 1616 by a naturalized Korean potter, Ri Sanpei who Toyotomi Hideyoshi had brought to Japan during the Korean campaign. Initially it had only blue color but thanks to an invention of Sakaida Kakiemon, a red color has been added around 1640 and got a fame even in Europe. The name of Kakiemon comes from the color of this pottery, kaki (persimmon).

Bonsai

盆栽
alternative words: potted plant, dwarf tree, miniature tree
keywords: art , china , craft
related topics: Kamakura period , Zen
related web sites: http://www.bonsai.co.jp , http://www.mini-bonsai.com , http://www.nsknet.or.jp/~ja2br/ , http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~zh6m-nsi/
explanation: The art of cultivating dwarfing trees and means " tray planting". It appeared initially in China during Tang dynasty more than 1000 years ago and introduced into Japan during Kamakura period with Zen. It had developed then quickly in Japan because it answered perfectly needs of Samurai clans who seeked a rest between 2 battles. This art having declined in China, it has been exported and loved all over the world with the Japanese name of Bonsai.

Genji monogatari emaki

源氏物語絵巻
alternative words: Genjimonogatari emaki, Genjimonogatariemaki, Tale of Genji scroll
keywords: art , book
related topics: Genji monogatari , Heian period
related web sites: http://herakles.lib.kyushu-u.ac.jp/nara/genji/txt/f001.htm , http://www.cjn.or.jp/tokugawa/room6-j.html
explanation: Scroll book based on the 11th century novel, Genji monogatari and created in 12th century. It contains texts and images of the novel's famous scenes drawn on luxurious paper. The picture might be drawn by an official painter, Fujiwara no Takayoshi and is using typical Japanese painting technique of Heian period (Yamatoe): the houses are transparent excepting for pillars (yatai fukinuke) while the characters have thin eyes and a hook nose (hikime kagihana). It remains only 13 volumes among 54.

Hagoita

羽子板
alternative words: Hanetsuki paddle, Battledore paddle
keywords: art , craft , game , thing
related topics: New year , Hanetsuki
related web sites: http://www.tim.hi-ho.ne.jp/~m-ando/hagoita.htm , http://www4.big.or.jp/~kna/kna/hagoita1.html , http://www1.plala.or.jp/harasimahagoita/
explanation: Wooden paddle used for hanetsuki game. A simple paddle with picture drawn behind is used in a real game but there exists "hagoita" used as a new year gift for girls. The size is a little bigger and cloth made picture of kabuki actors or girls (now also with plastic) are attached in relief on the surface. Each December, all over Japan, hagoita markets (hogoita ichi) are open for the preparation of a new year. The market near Asakusa temple in Tokyo is notorious.

Ikebana

生け花華道花道
alternative words: Ike-bana, Ike bana, Kado, Kadou, Ka-do, Flower arrangement, Japanese floral art, Floral art
keywords: art , ikebana
related topics: Muromachi period , Sogetsu school , Ikenobo school , Ohara school , Kenzan , Tokonoma
related web sites: http://www.nihonkoryu.org , http://www.kadouenshu.com
explanation: The art of flower arrangement has born during Muromachi period at "tokonoma", a kind of alcove in Japanese traditional house. Since then many schools have appeared under the influence of Buddhist and Chinese philosophies. The most famous ones are Ikenobo and Sogetsu schools. There exist also schools (Zenei) which have separated radically from these traditions.

Ink painting

水墨画墨絵
alternative words: Suibokuga, Sumie, Sumi-e, Sumi e, Sumie art, Japanese sumie art
keywords: art
related topics: Kamakura period , Zen , Sesshu Toyo , Yokoyama Taikan
related web sites: http://www.tttec.co.jp/bunjin/
explanation: Pictures drawn with Chinese ink, using only the variation of its density and shade. Invented in China during Tang dynasty, it arrived to Japan during Kamakura period. Fit to the taste of samurai who loved the simplicity along with Zen, it became the main stream of Japanese pictures. Initially the religious theme predominating, it shifted gradually to the natural subjects such as mountains and rivers (Sansuiga). Famous painter, Sesshu, has successfully created Japanese own style.

Japanese calligraphy

書道書
alternative words: Shodo, Shodou, Sho
keywords: art
related topics: Heian period , Kakemono
related web sites: http://www.jade.dti.ne.jp/~minamoto/
explanation: Originated from China, the calligraphy had been considered an art that every intellectual of east Asian countries should master. Until the beginning of Heian period, in the 9th century, Japanese style had been virtually same as Chinese because of frequent diplomatic and cultural missions. Since then Japan has developed her own style (Wa-yo), in particular after works of a genius Japanese calligrapher, "Ono no Tofu". The appearance of Japanese own characters, "kana" had also strengthened this difference.

Japanese doll

日本人形
alternative words: Ningyo, Nihon ningyo, Nihon-ningyo, Ningyou, Nihon ningyou, Doll
keywords: art , craft , thing
related topics: Edo period , Momo no sekku , Tango no sekku , Kokeshi
related web sites: http://www.sekku.com
explanation: Contrary to western dolls, Japanese dolls are not merely toys for children but real arts of decoration and collection. This development had occurred during Edo period when festivity like "Momo no sekku" and "Tango no sekku" had become very popular among ordinary citizens thanks to a hike of their living standard and an advance of craftsmanship.

Japanese kite

凧
alternative words: Tako, kite
keywords: art , china , craft , game , thing
related topics: Heian period , Samurai , Edo period , Japanese paper , New year
related web sites: http://www.kikimimi.ne.jp/www/eohashi/ , http://www.nmt.ne.jp/~windlove/ , http://www.taimeiken.co.jp/takohaku/index_t.htm , http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/people/cokeian/ , http://www2.ginzado.ne.jp/shayo/yosidamati/tako/takokan.htm
explanation: Invented 3000 years ago, it arrived in Japan from China at the beginning of Heian period. During Kamakura period, the kites spread among samurai clans, not only because of their military interests but also they symbolized a bravery, but it is since Edo period that kites have become a popular entertainment for everybody. Contrary to western kites which give an importance to technical aspect, Japanese kites are appreciated by their beautiful pictures drawn on the surface.

Japanese sword

日本刀刀
alternative words: Nihonto, Nihon-to, Nihon to, Nihontou, Nihon-tou, Nihon tou, Sword, Katana, Swords
keywords: art , craft , thing , weapon
related topics: Heian period , Kamakura period , Muromachi period , Samurai , Masamune , Muramasa , Tsuba
related web sites: http://www2d.biglobe.ne.jp/~yamaka/ , http://www.n-p-s.net
explanation: Japanese swords had been made first in the official factories. After a collapse of the central government at the end of Heian period, then samurai clans took powers in Kamakura period, the sword smiths of each region had competed to make their best. They are highly appreciated because of their artistic aspect and called "Ko-to" (old sword). After Muromachi period, the technique of fabrication had greatly improved and become industrial. The swords of this period are called "Shin-to" (new sword).

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