Japan, the geographical edge of Asia, has a complex, highly insular, yet cosmopolitan society that is rich in its own traditions but able to absorb and “nipponize” influences from the rest of Asia. These qualities are the context through which we will explore the basic techniques, and the artistic, cultural, ideological and social meanings of Japanese figurative and decorative art, keeping the Chinese influence in consideration.
This course in intended to: (1) provide students with an overall historical, artistic and cultural view of East Asian societies by outlining the main historical directions of their development and the dynamic factors of their relationships (2) highlight the common cultural and artistic aspects from Antiquity to Modern times and examine the most important monuments and artworks (3) bring into focus the special features of the arts of various regions of Asia with a special focus on China and Japan.
In-class lectures with PowerPoint presentations – Theoretical/practical workshops at the Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art Genoa. Both types of lessons will be covered on the final exam. The goal of the workshops is to guide students toward making observations and direct comparisons of the artwork and to understand the artistic techniques involved in producing them in order to promote students’ visual and critical/descriptive abilities.
Topics: The Painting of the Classical Schools: formats, techniques, styles – Ukiyo-e traditional polychrome print and painting – religious sculpture: elements of Buddhist iconography – bronzes and metalwork – costumes and textiles – lacquer work – ceramics and porcelain – 16th through 19th century Chinese and Japanese art for export – aesthetics, the ethics and ideology of floral arts and the tea ceremony – principles of conservation and restoration – a historical profile of Japanese legislation on cultural assets
DONATELLA FAILLA (President)
FABRIZIO BENENTE
LAURO GIOVANNI MAGNANI
HISTORY OF EAST-ASIATIC ART
Oral
Oral exam
