Japanese Painting: Native Style / Chinese Style

 

February 21 – May 13, 2008

 

 

Kaihō Yūshō, Japan, 1533-1615

Landscape      Hanging scroll; ink on paper

Image:  42 1/8 x 17 3/4 in. (107.0 x 45.1 cm); Mount:  69 1/4 x 23 3/4 in. (176.9 x 60.3 cm) LACMA, Gift of Julia and Leo Krashen     Photo © 2008 Museum Associates/LACMA

 

In East Asia, artists have historically found stimulus in the art of their forebears, and selected stylistic precedents according to whether painting topics were philosophical, paradisiacal or contemplative.

 

Artists created a painting appropriate for its use, whether it would be placed in a public or private area, and what intellectual exercise or emotional impact the art work was intended to engender. 

 

The relationship of Japan to China, China being the source of writing, religious, governmental, and philosophical systems from the 6th century forward, meant that often, Chinese-style painting was preferred for official meeting rooms in a palace, temple or residence. 

 

Alternatively, Japanese-style painting, reflecting the geography, customs, and literature of Japan frequently adorned private areas of these buildings.

 

Historical scenes of Japanese battles again were displayed in rooms where one’s personal power was required to be evident. 

 

This installation in the Pavilion for Japanese Art at LACMA allows the viewer to compare paintings in Japanese and Chinese manners, coming to recognize the aesthetics inherent in each.

 

Pavilion for Japanese Art

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Museum hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 12 noon – 8 pm

Friday 12 noon – 9 pm   Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 8 pm  

Closed Wednesdays                        

For further information about Japanese art exhibitions at LACMA, please call (323) 857-6565