Monochrome painting of Japan is one of the unique phenomena of the art of the East. A lot of works and studies are devoted to it, but it is often perceived as a very conditional thing, and sometimes even decorative. This is not so. Spiritual world Japanese artist very rich, and he cares not so much about the aesthetic component, but about the spiritual. Art of the East is a synthesis of external and internal, explicit and implicit.
In this post, I would like to pay attention not to the history of monochrome painting, but to its essence. This will be discussed.
Screen "Pine" Hasegawa Tohaku, 1593.
What we see in monochrome paintings is the result of the artist's interaction with the pine triad: paper, brush, ink. Therefore, in order to properly understand the work, one must understand the artist himself and his attitude.
"Landscape" Sesshu, 1398
Paper For Japanese master not easy improvised material, which he subordinates to his whim, but rather, on the contrary, is a “brother”, therefore, the attitude towards her has developed accordingly. Paper is a part of the surrounding nature, which the Japanese have always treated with reverence and tried not to subjugate, but to coexist peacefully with it. Paper is in the past a tree that stood in a certain area, certain time, “saw” something around her, and she keeps it all. This is how the Japanese artist perceives the material. Often, the masters, before starting work, looked for a long time at Blank sheet(contemplated it) and only then proceeded to painting. Even today, contemporary Japanese artists who practice Nihon-ga (traditional Japanese painting) carefully choose their paper. They buy it on order from paper mills. For each artist of a certain thickness, moisture permeability and texture (many artists even enter into an agreement with the factory owner not to sell this paper to other artists) - therefore, each painting is perceived as something unique and alive.
"Reading in a bamboo grove" Shubun, 1446.
Speaking about the significance of this material, it is worth mentioning such famous monuments Japanese literature such as Sei Shonagon's "Notes at the Headboard" and Murasaki Shikibu's "Genji Monogotari": in both "Notes" and "Genji" you can find scenes when courtiers or lovers exchange messages. The paper on which these messages were written was of the appropriate season, shade, and the manner of writing the text corresponded to its texture.
"Murasaki Shikibu at Ishiyama Shrine" Kyosen
Brush- the second component is the continuation of the master's hand (again, this is natural material). Therefore, brushes were also made to order, but most often by the artist himself. He selected the hairs of the required length, chose the size of the brush and the most comfortable handle. The master writes only with his own brush and no other. (From personal experience: was at the master class of the Chinese artist Jiang Shilun, the audience was asked to show what his students who were present at the master class can do, and each of them, picking up the master’s brush, said that it would turn out not what they expected, since the brush not them, they are not used to it and do not know how to use it correctly).
"Fuji" ink sketch by Katsushika Hokusai
ink is the third important element. Ink happens different types: it can give a glossy or matte effect after drying, it can be mixed with silver or ocher shades, therefore right choice mascara is also not unimportant.
Yamamoto Baitsu, late 18th- XIX century.
The main subjects of monochrome painting are landscapes. Why don't they have color?
Twin screen "Pines", Hasegawa Tohaku
Firstly, the Japanese artist is not interested in the object itself, but in its essence, a certain component that is common to all living things and leads to harmony between man and nature. Therefore, the image is always a hint, it is addressed to our feelings, and not to vision. Understatement is a stimulus for dialogue, and hence connection. Lines and spots are important in the image - they form artistic language. This is not the liberty of the master, who, where he wanted, left a greasy mark there, and in another place, on the contrary, did not draw well - in the picture everything has its own meaning and significance, and does not carry a random character.
Secondly, color always carries some kind of emotional connotation and is perceived differently. different people in different states, therefore, emotional neutrality allows the viewer to most adequately enter into a dialogue, position him for perception, contemplation, and thought.
Thirdly, this is the interaction of yin and yang, any monochrome picture is harmonious in terms of the ratio of ink and the untouched area of paper in it.
Why is most of the paper space not used?
"Landscape" by Syubun, mid-15th century.
First, the vacancy of space immerses the viewer in the image; secondly, the image is created as if it floated to the surface for a moment and is about to disappear - this is connected with the worldview and worldview; thirdly, in those areas where there is no ink, the texture and shade of paper come to the fore (this is not always visible on reproductions, but in reality it is always the interaction of two materials - paper and ink).
Sesshu, 1446
Why landscape?
"Contemplation of the Waterfall" Gayami, 1478
According to the Japanese worldview, nature is more perfect than man, so he must learn from her, protect her in every possible way, and not destroy or subjugate. Therefore, in many landscapes you can see small images of people, but they are always insignificant, small in relation to the landscape itself, or images of huts that fit into the space around them and are not even always noticeable - these are all symbols of the worldview.
"Seasons: Autumn and Winter" Sesshu. "Landscape" Sesshu, 1481
In conclusion, I want to say that Japanese monochrome painting is not randomly splashed ink, it is not a whim of the artist's inner ego - it is a whole system of images and symbols, it is a repository of philosophical thought, and most importantly, a way of communication and harmonization of oneself and the world around.
Here, I think, are the answers to the main questions that the viewer has when confronted with monochrome Japanese painting. I hope they will help you to understand it most correctly and perceive it when you meet.
If you have ever been to Japan, you probably already know how amazing this country is. And for those who are just planning to visit the country rising sun, you can envy - they are waiting for a lot of unforgettable experiences. In our today's selection you will find the most interesting and beautiful places in Japan. Some of them are considered popular attractions, while others are off the beaten track, but each is a unique gem of this country.
15 PHOTOS
The bamboo forest of Sagano seems to move tourists to a completely different reality. In addition to the fact that the tall bamboo stalks themselves look impressive when the wind picks up, they also make sounds, “start to sing,” as the locals say.
Hitachi Park is located in the northeastern part of Tokyo Prefecture, but on the island of Honshu. The best time to visit Hitachi Park is September, when 4.5 million nemophiles (American forget-me-nots) bloom here, turning the ground into an amazing blue blanket of flowers.
Japanese Garden Kawachi Fuji is located in the northern part of Kyushu, near Fukuoka. It is best to visit this place at the end of April, at this time the garden reaches its brightest and most lush flowering.
Shibazakura is a rare pink and white-purple moss that grows in the Fuji Five Lakes area. Every year, from April to June, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival is held in honor of this extraordinary phenomenon.
The city of Kawagoe is famous for its beautiful rivers, passing through which, you can feel the atmosphere ancient japan which has been preserved here. It was Kawagoe that in the 17th century was a fortress and the official residence of the head of the shogunal guard.
One of the main Shinto shrines in Kyoto, the main attraction here is the thousands of red ritual gates that line both sides of the road, which is over 4 km long.
An old detour trail leading from Kyoto to Edo, which had great importance for trade in the 17th century. The trail passes through very picturesque countryside.
A Buddhist temple founded in 717 by a wandering monk. This building looks especially beautiful in winter, against the backdrop of snow cover.
A three-story structure built in a traditional Japanese style that blends perfectly with the breathtaking scenery. Near the pagoda is the highest waterfall in Japan, its height is as much as 133 meters.
During this festival, 20,000 bamboo lamps are made and lit for three nights. The Taketa Bamboo Lighting Festival begins on the third Friday of November.
A delightful blue pond, located at the foot of Mount Tokachi, on the island of Hokkaido, owes its color to natural minerals.
spring holiday Cherry blossoms in Japan last for about a couple of weeks, turning the modern capital of the country into a fragrant garden.
Kureito Pagoda is a Japanese anti-war memorial created in 1963. The pagoda is located on a hill, and to get to it, you have to overcome as many as 400 steps. However, the architectural beauty of the pagoda and the magnificent view of Mount Fuji are worth any effort.
15. Tea garden overlooking Mount Fuji An amazingly beautiful tea plantation located in Shizuoka Prefecture. Here you can drink a cup of delicious green tea brought to Japan from China over 1300 years ago and admire the beautiful natural scenery.
