OVERVIEW

In Japan, Asia’s extreme geographic limit, there developed a complex civilization, typically insular yet cosmopolitan, rich in local traditions yet capable of assimilating and ‘Japanizing’ the contributions and influxes coming from Continental and Insular Asia. Against this cultural and historical background, the exploration of the technical foundations and artistic, ideological and social meanings of Japan’s figurative and decorative will take place, taking under special consideration the painting traditions.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course aims at: (1) Providing a comprehensive art-historical and cultural vision of the civilizations of Eastern Asia, by outlining their main historical developing lines and the dynamic factors of their mutual relations; (2) Highlighting the artistic and cultural aspects shared in common by the Asian countries from Antiquity up to Modernity; (3) Examining their most characteristic, original and typical art productions; (4) Focusing on the expressive characteristics and peculiarities of the arts in various Asian regions, with special regard to China and Japan.

TEACHING METHODS

Frontal classes supported by Power Point presentations. -  As an integral part of the programme, the frontal classes will also comprise collateral lectures and gallery talks carried out in the form of visual and practice exercises, to be conducted at the Museo d’Arte Orientale ‘Edoardo Chiossone’, Genoa. The primary scope of these lectures consists in training the students in (1) observing, comparing and discussing the works of art on exhibit, (2) comprehending the materials and techniques by which the art works are made, (3) developing visual abilities as well as critical and descriptive skills.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Subjects of the lessons. Formats, techniques and pictorial styles in Japan during the 16th-19th centuries. – The classical schools of Japanese painting: Yamato-e  and Tosa schools. – Japanese painting of Chinese origin: diluted ink painting and Sesshū’s school. – Kanō school. – Soga school. The rebirth of the Japanese spirit: the Rinpa school. – Naturalistic painting: Maruyama and Maruyama-Shijō schools.- Chinese literati’s pictorial styles and the Nanga school. – Bourgeois imagery, or the art of ‘the floating world’: paintings and woodblock colour prints of the Ukiyoe school.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Failla Donatella, La Rinascita della Pittura Giapponese: vent’anni di restauri al Museo Chiossone di Genova, exhibition catalogue, Museo d’Arte Orientale ‘Edoardo Chiossone’, Silvana Editoriale d’Arte, Cinisello Balsamo, Milano 2014.

Failla Donatella, Dipinti e Stampe del Mondo Fluttuante. Capolavori Ukiyoe del Museo Chiossone di Genova, exhibition catalogue, Palazzo Ducale, Genova, Skira, Milano 2005.

Failla Donatella, Masterpieces of Japanese Art from Edo Period to Modernization, exhibition catalogue, Museo d’Arte Orientale ‘Edoardo Chiossone’, Comune di Genova, Silvana Editoriale d’Arte, Milano 2002

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

DONATELLA FAILLA (President)

FABRIZIO BENENTE

LAURO GIOVANNI MAGNANI (Substitute)

LESSONS

Class schedule

HISTORY OF EAST-ASIATIC ART

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

oral

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Oral examination

Exam schedule