Beautiful Japanese views. Japanese paintings: all the subtleties of oriental painting
Monochrome painting of Japan is one of unique phenomena art of the East. A lot of work and research has been devoted to it, but it is often perceived as a very conventional thing, and sometimes even decorative. This is not so. The spiritual world of the Japanese artist is very rich, and he cares not so much about the aesthetic component as about the spiritual one. The art of the East is a synthesis of external and internal, explicit and implicit.
In this post I would like to pay attention not to the history of monochrome painting, but to its essence. This is what we will talk about.
screen "Pines" Hasegawa Tohaku, 1593
What we see in monochrome paintings is the result of the artist’s interaction with the basic triad: paper, brush, ink. Therefore, in order to correctly understand the work, you need to understand the artist himself and his attitude.
"Landscape" Sesshu, 1398
Paper for a Japanese master it’s not easy improvised material, which he subordinates to his whim, but rather the opposite - this is a “brother”, and therefore the attitude towards her has developed accordingly. Paper is a part of the surrounding nature, which the Japanese have always treated with reverence and tried not to subjugate, but to coexist peacefully with it. Paper is in the past a tree that stood in a certain area, certain time, “saw” something around her, and she keeps it all. This is how the Japanese artist perceives the material. Often, before starting work, craftsmen looked for a long time at Blank sheet(they contemplated it) and only then began painting. Even now, modern Japanese artists who practice the Nihon-ga technique (traditional Japanese painting) carefully select paper. They buy it to order from paper mills. Each artist has a certain thickness, moisture permeability and texture (many artists even enter into an agreement with the owner of the factory not to sell this paper to other artists) - therefore, each painting is perceived as something unique and alive.
"Reading in a bamboo grove" Xubun, 1446
Speaking about the significance of this material, it is worth mentioning the following famous monuments Japanese literature such as “Notes at the Bedside” by Sei Shonagon and “Genji Monogotari” by Murasaki Shikibu: both in “Notes” and “Genji” you can find plots when courtiers or lovers exchange messages. The paper on which these messages were written was of the appropriate time of year, shade, and the manner of writing the text corresponded to its texture.
"Murasaki Shikibu at Ishiyama Shrine" Kyosen
Brush- the second component is a continuation of the master’s hand (again, this is natural material). Therefore, brushes were also made to order, but most often by the artist himself. He selected the hairs of the required length, chose the size of the brush and the most comfortable handle. The master paints only with his own brush and no other. (From personal experience: I was at a master class by the Chinese artist Jiang Shilun, the audience asked to show what his students who were present at the master class could do, and each of them, picking up the master’s brush, said that the result would not be what they expected, because the brush not them, they are not used to it and do not know how to use it correctly).
"Fuji" ink sketch by Katsushika Hokusai
Mascara- the third important element. Mascara happens different types: it can give a glossy or matte effect after drying, maybe with an admixture of silver or ocher shades, therefore right choice mascara is also not unimportant.
Yamamoto Baitsu, late 18th - 19th centuries.
The main subjects of monochrome painting are landscapes. Why are there no colors in them?
Paired screen "Pines", Hasegawa Tohaku
Firstly, the Japanese artist is not interested in the object itself, but in its essence, a certain component that is common to all living things and leads to harmony between man and nature. Therefore, the image is always a hint; it is addressed to our senses, and not to vision. Understatement is a stimulus for dialogue, and therefore connection. Lines and spots are important in an image - they form artistic language. This is not the liberty of the master, who left a bold mark where he wanted, but in another place, on the contrary, underdrew - everything in the picture has its own meaning and meaning, and is not random.
Secondly, color always carries some kind of emotional coloring and is perceived differently different people in different states, therefore, emotional neutrality allows the viewer to most adequately enter into dialogue, to position him for perception, contemplation, and thought.
Thirdly, this is the interaction of yin and yang; any monochrome painting is harmonious from the point of view of the ratio of ink to the untouched area of paper.
Why most of Is there no paper space used?
"Landscape" Xubun, mid-15th century.
Firstly, the empty space immerses the viewer in the image; secondly, the image is created as if it floated to the surface for a moment and is about to disappear - this is connected with worldview and worldview; thirdly, in those areas where there is no ink, the texture and shade of the paper comes to the fore (this is not always visible in reproductions, but in reality it is always the interaction of two materials - paper and ink).
Sesshu, 1446
Why landscape?
"Contemplation of a Waterfall" Gayami, 1478
According to the Japanese worldview, nature is more perfect than man, so he must learn from it, protect it in every possible way, and not destroy or subjugate it. Therefore, in many landscapes you can see small images of people, but they are always insignificant, small in relation to the landscape itself, or images of huts that fit into the space surrounding them and are not even always noticeable - these are all symbols of a worldview.
"Seasons: Autumn and Winter" Sesshu. "Landscape" Sesshu, 1481
In conclusion, I want to say that monochrome Japanese painting is not chaotically splattered ink, it is not a whim of the artist’s inner ego - it is a whole system of images and symbols, it is a repository of philosophical thought, and most importantly, a way of communication and harmonization of oneself and the world around us.
Here, I think, are the answers to the main questions that arise in the viewer when faced with monochrome Japanese painting. I hope they will help you understand it most correctly and perceive it when you meet.
Japanese painting is an absolutely unique movement in world art. It has existed since ancient times, but as a tradition it has not lost its popularity and ability to surprise.
Attention to traditions
The East is not only about landscapes, mountains and the rising sun. These are also the people who created his story. It is these people who have supported the tradition of Japanese painting for many centuries, developing and enhancing their art. Those who made a significant contribution to history are Japanese artists. Thanks to them, modern ones have retained all the canons of traditional Japanese painting.
Manner of execution of paintings
Unlike Europe, Japanese artists preferred to paint closer to graphics than to painting. In such paintings you will not find the rough, careless oil strokes that are so characteristic of the Impressionists. What is the graphic nature of such art as Japanese trees, rocks, animals and birds - everything in these paintings is drawn as clearly as possible, with solid and confident ink lines. All objects in the composition must have an outline. Filling inside the outline is usually done with watercolors. The color is washed out, other shades are added, and somewhere the color of the paper is left. Decorativeness is precisely what distinguishes Japanese paintings from the art of the whole world.
Contrasts in painting
Another contrast characteristic technique, which is used by Japanese artists. This could be a difference in tone, color, or the contrast of warm and cool shades.
The artist resorts to this technique when he wants to highlight some element of the subject. This could be a vein on a plant, a separate petal, or a tree trunk against the sky. Then the light, illuminated part of the object and the shadow under it are depicted (or vice versa).
Transitions and color solutions
When painting Japanese paintings, transitions are often used. They can be different: for example, from one color to another. On the petals of water lilies and peonies you can notice the transition from light shade to a rich, bright color.
Transitions are also used in the image of the water surface and sky. The smooth transition from sunset to dark, deepening twilight looks very beautiful. When drawing clouds, transitions from different shades and reflexes are also used.
Basic motives of Japanese painting
In art, everything is interconnected with real life, with the feelings and emotions of those involved in it. As in literature, music and other forms of creativity, there are several eternal themes in painting. This historical subjects, images of people and nature.
Japanese landscapes come in many varieties. Often in paintings there are images of ponds - a favorite piece of furniture for the Japanese. A decorative pond, several water lilies and bamboo nearby - this is what a typical picture of the 17th-18th century looks like.
Animals in Japanese painting
Animals are also a frequently recurring element in Asian painting. Traditionally it is a crouching tiger or domestic cat. In general, Asians are very fond of and therefore their representatives are found in all forms of oriental art.
The world of fauna is another topic that follows japanese painting. Birds - cranes, decorative parrots, luxurious peacocks, swallows, inconspicuous sparrows and even roosters - all of them are found in the drawings of oriental masters.
Pisces is an equally relevant topic for Japanese artists. Koi carp are the Japanese version of goldfish. These creatures live in Asia in all ponds, even in small parks and gardens. Koi carp is a kind of tradition that belongs specifically to Japan. These fish symbolize struggle, determination, and achieving your goal. It’s not for nothing that they are depicted floating with the flow, always with decorative wave crests.
Japanese paintings: depiction of people
People in Japanese painting are a special theme. Artists depicted geishas, emperors, warriors and elders.
Geishas are depicted surrounded by flowers, always wearing elaborate robes with many folds and elements.
Sages are depicted sitting or explaining something to their students. The image of the old scientist is a symbol of the history, culture and philosophy of Asia.
The warrior was portrayed as formidable, sometimes terrifying. The long ones were drawn in detail and looked like wire.
Usually all the details of the armor are clarified using ink. Often naked warriors are decorated with tattoos depicting an eastern dragon. It is a symbol of Japan's strength and military might.
Rulers were depicted for imperial families. Beautiful robes, decorations in men's hair are what such works of art abound in.
Landscapes
Traditional japanese landscape- mountains. Asian painters have succeeded in depicting a variety of landscapes: they can depict the same peak in different colors, With different atmosphere. The only thing that remains unchanged is the obligatory presence of flowers. Usually, together with the mountains, the artist depicts some kind of plant in the foreground and draws it in detail. The mountains and cherry blossoms. And if they paint falling petals, the picture evokes admiration for its sad beauty. The contrast in the atmosphere of the picture is another wonderful quality of Japanese culture.
Hieroglyphs
Often the composition of a picture in Japanese painting is combined with writing. The hieroglyphs are arranged so that they look beautiful compositionally. They are usually drawn on the left or right of the painting. Hieroglyphs can represent what is depicted in the painting, its title, or the name of the artist.
Japan is one of the richest countries in history and culture. All over the world, the Japanese are generally considered to be pedantic people who find aesthetics in absolutely all manifestations of life. Therefore, Japanese paintings are always very harmonious in color and tone: if there are inclusions of some bright color- then only in semantic centers. Using paintings by Asian artists as an example, you can study color theory, correct representation of form using graphics, and composition. The technique of execution of Japanese paintings is so high that it can serve as an example for working with watercolors and performing “washing” of graphic works.
If you've ever been to Japan, you probably already know how amazing country. And for those who are just planning to visit the country rising sun, one can envy - there are tons of them waiting unforgettable impressions. In our selection today you will find the most interesting and Beautiful places Japan. Some are considered popular attractions, others are off the beaten track, but each is a unique gem of the country.
15 PHOTOS
The Sagano Bamboo Forest seems to transport tourists to a completely different reality. In addition to the fact that the tall bamboo stalks themselves look impressive, when the wind picks up, they also make sounds, “beginning to sing,” as the locals say.
Hitachi Park is located in the northeastern part of Tokyo Prefecture, on the island of Honshu. The ideal time to visit Hitachi Park is September, when 4.5 million nemophila (American forget-me-nots) bloom here, turning the ground into an amazing blue blanket of flowers.
The Kawachi Fuji Japanese Garden is located in the northern part of the island of Kyushu, near Fukuoka. It is best to visit this place at the end of April, at which time the garden reaches its brightest and most luxuriant flowering.
Shibazakura is a rare pink and white-purple moss that grows in the Fuji Five Lakes area. Every year, from April to June, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival is held in honor of this extraordinary phenomenon.
The city of Kawagoe is famous for its beautiful rivers, floating along which you can feel the atmosphere ancient japan, which is preserved here. It was Kavagoe that in the 17th century was a fortress and official residence chief of the shogun's guard.
One of the main Shinto shrines in Kyoto, the main attraction here is the thousands of red ritual gates that line both sides of the road, which is more than 4 km long.
The old bypass trail leading from Kyoto to Edo, which had great importance for trade in the 17th century. The trail passes through very picturesque countryside.
Buddhist temple founded in 717 by a wandering monk. This building looks especially beautiful in winter period, against the backdrop of snow cover.
Three-story building, made in traditional Japanese style, which blends perfectly with the breathtaking scenery. Near the pagoda is the tallest waterfall in Japan, its height is as much as 133 meters.
During this festival, 20 thousand bamboo lamps are made, which burn for three nights. The Tucket Bamboo Lantern Festival begins on the third Friday in November.
The delightful blue pond, located at the foot of Mount Tokachi, on the island of Hokkaido, owes its color to natural minerals.
The spring cherry blossom festival in Japan lasts about a couple of weeks, turning modern capital country into a fragrant garden.
Kureito Pagoda is a Japanese anti-war memorial established in 1963. The pagoda is located on a hill, and to get to it you have to climb as many as 400 steps. However, the architectural beauty of the pagoda and great view Mount Fuji is worth any effort.
15. Tea garden overlooking Mount Fuji An amazingly beautiful tea plantation located in Shizuoka Prefecture. Here you can drink a cup of delicious green tea, brought to Japan from China more than 1,300 years ago, and admire the beautiful natural scenery.