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Japan or Nippon means the land of the rising
sun. Japan consists of 4 major and over 4000 smaller islands and is
a mostly mountainous country. Japan is a major economic force in the
world. The culture is ancient with centuries of Asian influence and
tradition. Japanese culture reveres simplicity but loves ceremony and
elaborate rituals. Many art forms are represented in Japan and the practice
of art is itself a cultural tradition.
912-1 Eraser Prints-
Wood block prints are a traditional Japanese art style. Printmakers
first used wood cut patterns with very intricate texture. Many of the
most famous Japanese artists used this art form. We have a created an
easy form of printing using erasers.
912-2 Origami scene
– Sakura at Yoshino Mountain; Origami or paper folding is one
of the great art forms of Japan. We create an origami scene of the sakura,
or Japanese flowering cherry. The delicate blossoms last only 2-3 days.
Hanami, or flower viewing, is a Japanese custom that dates back to ancient
times. Yoshino Mountain is known for its groves of 100,000 cherry trees,
a strong gust of wind creates a cherry blossom blizzard, known as sakura
fubuki. It looks like pink snow falling. This design is reminiscent
of Hiroshige – famous artist of romantic landscapes.
912-3 Kakejiku
– this is a traditional decoration for homes and schools celebrating
the seasons or a special occasion. Using Shikishi paper with easy brush
strokes or Sumie, this design is the sakura. Painting is the most practiced
art form in Japan. In the past the Japanese wrote with a brush rather
than a pen, because of this painting was an easy transition.
912-4 Tanabata Lantern-
Paper netting decorations are displayed throughout Japan on July 7 in
honor of the Tanabata celebration. One of the legends of this date is
the story of the weaver princess, Irihimem who fell in love with a cow
herder named Hikoboshi. Because the couple spent so much time together
Orihimi forgot about her weaving. Her father, the king, decided to split
the couple and place them on opposite ends of the Milky Way, permitting
them to see each other only one day a year. On that day birds make a
bridge with their outspread wings so the couple can meet. Another popular
Tanabata custom is to write wishes on a piece of paper, and hang them
on trees.
