Outline

Early Japan
2018-2019 edited July 8, 2018
(10,500 BCE-1332 CE)

Enduring Understanding
• 8.1 Art of South, East and Southeast Asia represent some of the
world’s oldest, most diverse, most sophisticated visual traditions;
included both visual and architectural expression
• 8.2 Many of world’s great philosophic, religious traditions developed
in South and East Asia; art forms supporting these developed here as
well
• 8.4 Asian art was/is global. Linked through trade, politics, religious
popularity

Essential Knowledge
• 8-1a Artworks as old as 10,500 BCE
• 8-1c Core cultural centers in Asia became home to many of the world’s
great civilizations and ruling dynasties including Heian Japan. The
shared cultural ideas in each region and civilization gave birth to
visual traditions that employed related subjects, functions, materials,
and artistic styles.
• 8-2b Cultures promoted interconnection between natural and spiritual
worlds through religions of Daoism, Confucianism (5th cent BCE).
Buddhism too. Shinto veneration of the land with animistic nature
spirits
• 8-2e Architecture mostly religious in function. Used natural materials
with wood structures and tile roofs
• 8-3b Art forms included ceramic, stone, calligraphy, architecture
• 8-3d Artistic expression through courtly and secular art forms
(including literati)
• 8-4d Major trade routes linked Asia with Europe as well as maritime
networks; artistic traditions, styles, mediums shared as well – textiles,
ceramics

I. General Context
Geography, Politics, Economic, Social, Religion
Geography
• Japan
o Four islands
o Strong regional differences
o Diverse terrain and climate

Politics
• Periods vs. dynasties
o Jamon, Kofun, Nara, Heian, Kamakura
• Emperors, shogunates
• Military conflict

Economics
• Variety of commercial trade with Korea, China

Social
• Written language using characters=common traditions
• Influence of Chinese writing system
• Pre-Buddhist culture –prior to 552 CE

Religion
• Two primary belief systems-Shinto, Buddhism

II. Art Context

Mediums/Techniques, Artistic Subjects, Artists

Mediums/techniques
• Calligraphy
 • Handscrolls
• Special inks and papers
o Washes
• Expertise at elements and composition
• Literary illustration

Artistic subjects
• Architecture
o Shrines-religious, cultural
▪ Buddhist, Shinto
• Paintings
o Landscapes, figures
• Ceramics
o Vessels (functional and decorative0
o Statues-figural and ceremonial

Artists
• presence of many highly talented artists
o member of royal court
• artist as respected and influential member of society
• workshops

III. Vocabulary words

jamon- cord making technique used to decorate earthenware vessels

Tumuli- pit graves covered by enormous mounds
Haniwa—clay cylinders generally with human or animal forms placed
around early Japanese burial mounds
Shinto- Pre Buddhist belief system that connects people to nature;
focused on needs of an agrarian society and its associated rites; no
single founder; shrines used for purification and clensing
Kami- Shinto deities or spirits who acted on and protected the interests
of the local people; connected to specific elements in nature-ex. trees,
waterfalls
Mandorla-an almond or lotus shaped halo surround a religious figure
Tale of Genji-most famous work of literature in Japan. Describes the life and
love of Prince Genji and his heirs. Considered world’s first lengthy novel