Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Master Class II
Discovering the Arts of Japan: A Historical Overview
Professor Kuiyi Shen
This lecture series will introduce the visual arts of Japan from prehistory through the 19th century. We will consider how the arts developed through history and thematically, discussing how art and architecture were used for philosophical, religious and material ends. Five lectures on selected works of painting, sculpture, calligraphy, ceramics, bronzes, architecture, gardens and other arts will be complemented by a recurring consideration of particular themes such as the changing roles of aristocratic, monastic, shogunal and merchant patronage, the impacts of Buddhism and Shinto worship and practice, Japan’s relationship to China and Korea and the function of art in Japanese society.
April 9: The Emergence of Japanese Civilization
Objects created for both ceremonial and utilitarian use in prehistoric Japan were “primitive” and yet expressive, showing the lively creativity of the early inhabitants of the Japanese islands. The development of agriculture in the Yayoi period resulted in a more complex social structure. Objects in bronze and iron were introduced to Japan from China and Korea. Shinto, the native religion, started to flourish in Japan.
April 23: Introduction of Buddhism
By the 6th century we saw historically documented contact with Korea and China, which heralded a golden age of Buddhist art with magnificent temples housing masterpieces of sculpture and painting. Buddhism became increasingly influential and powerful and was often used by the court as an instrument of state. The influence of Tang China can be seen in numerous temple structures and sculptural works of Nara period Japan.
May 7: The Zenith of Court Culture
Elements of Chinese culture were eventually assimilated into refined indigenous court culture in the Heian period, which produced a new style of Japanese painting in the form of beautifully illustrated handscrolls. We also see the rise of landscape painting depicting Japan’s own scenery, as well as the appearance of the Japanese writing system, reflecting awareness of Yamato literature and culture.
May 21: Aesthetic of Warrior Rule
The subsequent decline of the imperial court and rise of the warrior clans witnessed a trend toward realism in sculpture, and the elevation of sword-making into art. A new wave of Chinese influence in the form of Zen Buddhism emphasized a meditative spirit and an aesthetic of simplicity, epitomized by the dry landscape gardens of Zen temples and the tea ceremony.
June 4: Tokugawa Control and the Rise of Bourgeois Culture
The flamboyant 16th century military leaders inspired a grand age of castle building, with magnificent paintings adorning castle interiors. During the three hundred years of national isolation instituted by the Tokugawa shoguns, the arts spread beyond the exclusive domain of the privileged classes and through the general populace, as manifested in the popular ukiyo-e woodblock prints.
Speaker Bio
Presenter: Kuiyi Shen is Professor of Art History at UC San Diego. His research focuses on modern and contemporary Asian art. He received his B.A. in Shanghai and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Art History from Ohio State University. Prior to his arrival at UC San Diego, he taught at Ohio State University, SUNY at Buffalo, Rice University and the University of Oregon. He is a recipient of fellowships and awards from the NEA, Social Science Research Council, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Stanford University, Leiden University and the University of Heidelberg, and is currently the editor of the book series Modern Asian Art and Visual Culture.