|
Ukiyo-e Paintings in Japan is a genre of Japanese woodblock prints and paintings that were made during the 17th to the 20th centuries. These prints and paintings feature motifs of landscapes, the theater and pleasure quarters. The word 'Ukiyo' in Japan means "floating world" and refers to the young culture that blossomed in the urban centers of Edo, which is modern day Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto that were previously a world to themselves. This form of art became very popular in the metropolitan culture of Tokyo during the second half of the 17th century and the first single colour work of Hishikawa Moronobu became prominent during this period. India ink was only used during the initial stages but later some prints were manually coloured with a brush. Suzuki Harunobu developed the technique of polychrome printing in the 18th century to produce nishiki-e. This form of painting was affordable because they could be mass produced. These paintings were mainly for people in the towns who cannot afford an original painting. The original subject of this form of painting is city life focusing on particular activities and scenes from the entertainment district. Subject portrayed would include courtesans, bulky sumo wrestlers and popular actors all engaged in appealing activities. Political subjects, individuals belonging to the lowest strata of society, and sex were not sanctioned as subjects for these prints. Artists and publishers were periodically punished for violation of the above. The roots of ukiyo-e can be traced to the urbanization that took place in the late 16th century. This led to the development of a class of merchants and artisans who started writing novels and stories and also painted pictures that were compiled together in various books. Stories were based on urban life and culture and laos featured in guidebooks that became popular. These books were widely available too. Ukiyo-e paintings in Japan experienced a revival in the forms of the shin hanga and sosaku hanga movements in the 20th century when both aimed to differentiate themselves from the tradition of mass art. The new prints of Shin hanga paintings were exported to the United States. Inspired the Europeans and their lifestyle, the artists started incorporating Western elements such as the effects of light and the expression of individual moods but strictly focussed on traditional themes. Ukiyo-e paintings in Japan are still produced today and are also influential in many ways. For more information on Japan visit AsiaRooms.com
|
