NON WESTERN BLOG: EDO PERIOD

 Introduction

The Edo period, also known as, the Tokugawa period, took place during 1603 - 1867 as the end of traditional Japan. During this period, Japan was under the shogunate (military dictatorship) established by Tokugawa Leyasu. To maintain stability during this period, members of the warrior class and samurai took over residences in the capital while peasants were forbidden to engage in nonagricultural activities. Peasants were forbidden to make sure those in positions of authority continued to receive a stable source of income. Most of the art pieces from this period came from artisans
and merchants.

Andō Hiroshige

Plum Garden at Kameido by Andō Hiroshige (1857)

The piece above was created in 1857 by Andō Hiroshige ( Utagawa Hiroshige), a Japanese ukiyo-e artist. Andō is famously known for his horizontal landscape pieces. Most of his pieces feature woodblock print, a style in which he was considered a master in. The piece above features a forest of Edo's most famous tree, the Sleeping Dragon Plum. The tree was known for its white double blossoms that can be observed when the sunsets. 

The red background in the top region really gives a warm feeling to the piece. The combination of red and lighter shades of red makes it seem like the sun is setting. The white blossoms also stand out because of the dark contrast with the background. Curved lines are used to show the structure of the tress as well as texture. The horizontal lines in the back divide the ground and sky, giving the piece depth and an illusion of distance. The trunk and branches of the trees have different tones to give them dimensions. 

Suzuki Kiitsu

Cranes, a pair of two-fold screens, by Suzuki Kiitsu (19th century)

This piece was created by Suzuki Kiitsu, a Japanese painter of the Rinpa school. Early in the Edo period, Suzuki emerged. This piece was original a large sliding door but the one above is a pair of two-panel folding screens. The piece involves 7 Japanese cranes surrounded by a body of water. The Japanese crane is a majestic bird that is considered a symbol of good fortune, longevity, and peace. 

The dark yellow tone in the background is supposed to be "gold" land, referring to good fortune. Theres not much dimension in the piece but the layering of the crane's legs makes it seem like there's a bit of distance. The blue adds a bit of life to the piece, giving it a natural and calm presence. Linear lines are used to show strength of the crane's legs and curve lines are used to add texture to the crane's feathers.

Yokoyama Taikan

Mt. Fuji by Yokoyama Taikan (1940)

The piece above was painted by Yokoyama Taikan, a Japanese painter. Yokoyama was the art name of a major figure in pre-WWII. He also contributed to the revitalization of traditional Japanese painting in the modern era with his friend, Hishida Shunsō. This piece was painted for the 2,600th anniversary of the founding of Japan. The piece features a pure white Mt. Fuji, an active volcano located southwest of Tokyo.

The grey and white blur at the bottom resembles sea clouds spreading across the mountain to give the illusion that the elevation of the mountain is high. The bright color of the sun attracts the eyes of the audience since it's burning red and has a darker tone than the other colors present in the painting. Linear lines are used to show the shape of the mountain and curved lines are used to show textures of the mountain. Shades of grey are used to add texture to the mountian as well. 

Thoughts

I personally love Japaneses landscape art from all periods. Each piece kept a traditional element and a perspective of nature. Western pieces oftentimes use dark and a variety of colors in the landscape, but Japanese art uses a minimal amount of color. The painting methods are a bit different as well, Japanese art usually use the woodblock printing method while western art uses different brush techniques. 

Citations

Adachi Museum of Art. “Mt. Fuji - Yokoyama Taikan - Google Arts & Culture.” Google, artsandculture.google.com/asset/mt-fuji/gQGjCiwQOJy4bg?hl=en. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.

Art, Department of Asian. “Art of the Edo Period (1615–1868): Essay: The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History.” The Met’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, 1 Jan. 1AD, www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/edop/hd_edop.htm.

Lane, Richard. “Hiroshige.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 2023, www.britannica.com/biography/Hiroshige.