Non Western Blog
The Great Wave of Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai (1831)
The Great Wave of Kanagawa was created by Katsushika Hokusai in late 1831, during the Edo period of Japanese history. This is a woodblock print, which was a really popular art style during the Edo period. "The Great Wave is a visually dynamic print with fully saturated blues and extraordinary contrast. Spectroscopic analysis shows that to achieve this, the printers did not simply substitute the exotic Prussian blue for the traditional (and duller) indigo. Instead, they mixed the two together to create a bold outline, and printed one pigment on top of the other to darken the bright Prussian blue without reducing the intensity of its hue." I chose this piece because I love the ocean, so when I seen it I knew I had to do this one. I love the detail on the wave, and how you can see the little drops of water so clearly. The blue going from darker to lighter as you get towards the top of the wave adds dimension and adds a lot to the print. "The double-printing method has another, more subtle effect. As printing pushes the paper into the block, the reliefs carved in the block bite into the paper, indenting it as they deposit their color. The effect is even more pronounced when the block is printed twice, as in the deep blue hollow of the wave, where the white foam, the bright blue, and the deep blue all sit at different heights. A viewer holding the print would perceive—almost subliminally—a step at each color, adding real, three-dimensional depth." I think this is such an interesting piece, I didn't know how many steps there are to create woodblock prints.
Nishijin Textiles
"Woven textiles produced in the Nishijin area of Kyoto are known as Nishijin-ori, or Nishijin textiles. They typically feature brilliantly dyed silk interwoven with lavish gold and silver threads into complex and skilful patterns. In addition to obi (wide sashes worn with kimono) and kimono themselves, Nishijin-ori products include decorations for festival floats and costumes for the Noh theater." I think these are so beautiful, and personally I would want to own one. "Nishijin Ori began its journey as a luxurious textile in Kyoto, thanks to silk weaving techniques that arrived from Tang China during the Kofun period. The name “Nishijin” originated during the Onin War in the Muromachi period when the Western Army, led by General Sozen Yamana, established their camp in the area. Hence, the name “Nishijin” was coined, with General Katsumoto Hosokawa leading the Eastern Army. On February 26, 1976, Nishijin Ori was designated as a traditional craft of Japan. Even today, the weavers of Nishijin Ori continue to create textiles that reflect their individual artistry."
Ikebana: The Art of Japanese Flower Arrangement
"It might seem complex or inaccessible, but Ikebana is far more relaxed and approachable than you might think. In its simplest form, Ikebana is the art of arranging a selection of flowers and plants in a vase to create a display. Originally, Ikebana started as a ritual by Buddhist monks who arranged flowers to offer to Buddha. It has evolved through the ages, preserving its tradition while also incorporating elements of contemporary trends. Today, Ikebana transcends age and gender barriers and enriches the lives of many as a rewarding hobby or leisure activity. It can be enjoyed not only by creating arrangements but also by appreciating the works of others." I think that this form of art is cool because it is not your normal kind of art like paintings or sculptures.
References Cited
Leona, Marco. “The Great Wave: Anatomy of an Icon - the Metropolitan Museum of Art.” Metmuseum.org, 10 Apr. 2020, www.metmuseum.org/essays/hokusai-great-wave.
“Nishijin Woven Textiles.” Google Arts & Culture, artsandculture.google.com/story/nishijin-woven-textiles-art-research-center-ritsumeikan-university/bwXhyKJQOVlWJA?hl=en.
I really like how you analyzed "The Great Wave of Kanagawa" because this is such a well known print, yet I'm sure the backstory is not widely known. I think what I enjoyed most about this unit was learning about different forms of art beyond just paintings. The textiles, sculptures, and special materials that other countries were using to make art is truly so interesting. I never knew that flower arranging was and is an art, but it is definitely one of my most favorite forms because it's living art.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the "Great Wave of Kanagawa" used in so many different things that I never knew where it came from until now. I love that you took the time to look into the shading of blues that were used in the painting otherwise I never would have known that they mixed colors for that exact shade of blue instead of going with what was normally used. I also appreciate the art of flower arrangement because it shows that there are so many different forms of art.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your blog. I'm glad you chose this incredible work, "The Great Wave." It's also one of my favorites. I don't have a copy of this work, but I would love to have it someday. My impression was the colors and depth of this work. It's also interesting how they blended the blues. I would definitely have this work on my wall. I agree that Nishijin's textiles are impressive; I would love to have one too; they would be wonderful. It's also interesting to learn about its history and how it became a traditional craft. Finally, ikebana is an interesting option; it's great how it differs from traditional art, which has been revolutionized over time.
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ReplyDeleteI really liked your personal connection to The Great Wave of Kanagawa—your love of the ocean clearly came through, and it made your description feel sincere and engaging. I also appreciated how you incorporated technical detail about the use of Prussian blue and double printing; it added depth (literally and figuratively!) to the way we view the image. One area that could be expanded a little is the Ikebana section—I was curious to hear more about how you personally relate to it or what kinds of arrangements appeal to you.
Your selections reflect a beautiful range of Japanese artistic traditions beyond the typical painting or sculpture. You captured how each reflects cultural values: the wave’s power and nature, the luxury and tradition in Nishijin textiles, and the spiritual calm of Ikebana. All three tie nicely to the broader theme of non-Western artistic expression by showing how deeply integrated art is in Japanese daily life and ritual.
I was especially interested in the Nishijin textiles portion. You might also consider how these textiles relate to identity—certain patterns and colors were historically used to signal class or occasion. Similarly, in Ikebana, the choice and placement of flowers can be symbolic. I recently learned that in some schools of Ikebana, the three main branches in an arrangement represent heaven, earth, and humanity—a concept that beautifully shows the art's philosophical roots.