Colors in Japanese art: the use of color in Japan's fine and decorative arts

Abstract

"How color is used in the most famous works of Japanese art--from the 16th century to the present. From the vibrant reds of traditional kimonos to the serene blues of tarashikomi riverscapes and woodblock prints, Colors in Japanese Art invites you to explore the rich tapestry of Japanese visual culture through the lens of color. Whether you are a collector of Japanese art, a student of art history, or simply captivated by the rich shades, tones and hues that Japanese art presents, this book is your key to understanding this extraordinary artistic tradition. This book presents over 120 great works of fine and decorative art and discusses the color schemes used in each work, including: The vibrant red, gold, multi-hued kimonos from the 18th and 19th century Edo period. The gold, green and deep-blue season-themed screens of Tohaku and Sesshu. The elegant pinks and blues in the landscape prints of Hiroshige and Hokusai. The blues, reds and yellows in the Ko-Kutani and Imari porcelains of the Edo and Meiji periods. Earthy golds in fine lacquerwares dating as far back as the Heian period. And so many more colors in over 120 magnificent examples! A detailed analysis of each work shows how these color schemes evolved; how their popularity waxed and waned over time; the social and spiritual significance of certain color combinations; and the pigments and dyes used to create them. Color swatches accompany the featured artworks to show readers how colors were used in subtle combinations, including many hues, tones and tints unique to the Japanese arts. A color chart at the end of the book summarizes the beautiful colors that are most characteristic of this tradition." -- Provided by publisher.

Contents

Why I wrote this book -- Red -- The color red in Japanese culture -- Japanese color schemes based on red -- The colors in Japanese kabuki costumes -- Purple -- The color purple in Japanese culture -- Japanese color schemes based on purple -- Layered color palettes in the Tale of Genji -- Blue -- The color blue in Japanese culture -- Japanese color schemes based on blue -- Battle costumes showcasing power and might -- The blues in Hokusai, Hiroshige and Eishō ukiyo-e and woodblock prints -- Green -- The color green in Japanese culture -- Japanese color schemes based on green -- The colors used in Japanese gardens -- Japanese color names drawn from nature -- Yellow -- The color yellow in Japanese culture -- Japanese color schemes based on yellow -- Bird color names -- Brown -- The color brown in Japanese culture -- Japanese color schemes based on brown -- Kabuki actor color names -- Black and white -- Black and white in Japanese culture -- Japanese color schemes based on black and white -- The bold color schemes of the Kanbun Kosode -- Gold and silver -- Gold and silver in Japanese culture -- Japanese color schemes based on gold and silver -- The elegant colors of the Rinpa School -- The mystical colors in sumi-e ink painting.