Japanese Handscrolls

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Meaning and Iconography

The subject matter of this piece is loaded with symbolism and hidden meanings. During the Heian period, a blossoming cherry tree over a tranquil pond might have represented feelings of peace and happiness. Indeed, Genji himself wears a smile. For viewers who are familiar with Lady Murasaki's novel, however, the image holds dark undertones. Genji experienced many amorous encounters with ladies of the court; he was even unfaithful to his wife (who, ironically, bore another man's child). One of these exploits led to his exile from his homeland. This picture could easily illustrate a point in Genji's banishment, in which he gazes at his reflection, trying to assess what he has accomplished over his life's course and rethink his values. Not coincidentally, Buddhism prevailed in Japan at the time the book was written. The religion emphasizes detachment from pleasures of the flesh, an unhealthy addiction which Lady Murasaki subtly abhors in her novel. Its moral is plain: Overindulgence never fails to leave one with feelings of regret.

Formal Analysis

Our original piece is executed in the "women's hand" style, characterized by fine lines, bright, vivid colors and an asymmetrical composition. Here, the diagonal thrust of the tree branch leads the eye into the concentric ripples of the pond, which in turn frame Prince Genji's face. Although artists in the Heian period did not have markers to work with, they did use colored inks and paint on their scrolls. This work mimics the expressive appearance such mediums can take on. It could serve as an illustration for the world's first novel, The Tale of Genji, which was written by Lady Murasaki during the Heian period (Stokstad 386). The book has endured countless generations, much like cherry blossoms, which always bloom with the coming of spring.

Original Piece: Reflections

We researched Japanese hand scrolls and decided to do an original piece regarding The Tales Of Genji. This story is full of internal and external conflicts and our piece is a reflection of an internal conflict that he has with himself, which can be the biggest conflict of all. I called the piece Reflections and Genji is looking into a pond at his reflection trying to make the right decision. In hopes that he does make the right decision there are cherry blossums floating in the water and growing on brantches above him. I used markers, micron pen, and tea bags on oak tag paper to give it an authentic and old time look. I did the markers first and then went back with the finer micron pen to add some details, just like the Japanese artist would have done. Lastly i dyed the paper for the old authentic look.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

The Artist's Role

During the Heian period (794-1185) the Fujiwara family dominated the royal court and in doing so dominated the cultural world as well. While pushing a sense of refinement and sophistication within the royal court this cultural class dominated the literary and visual arts.Women were great contributors to the arts and were noted not only for their poetry and mythical tales, but also for their novels which were centered around courtly romances. Delicate lines, strong colors and asymmetrical compositions are all characteristic of the “Women’s hand style”. While the women wrote and illustrated their refined courtly tales, the men concentrated on battles, controversies and historical anthologies. Strong ink and lively brushwork focusing on subjects outside of court are characteristics of the “Men’s hand style”. Professional artists at this time were hired by the court to aid in the production on the Handscrolls. At times a team of artists would be assembled for one literary piece, including calligraphers, colorists and a master painter. The master painter would outline several illustrations per chapter in fine brush strokes, which would indicate the color scheme. The colorists would create texture and pattern by building up layers of color to the composition. The master painter would then come back through and reinforce the outlines and finishing touches. Artists were also hired by aristocrats to produce stories for self-expression and personal libraries. Such artists were not held in as high degree as those commissioned by the court and were labeled amateur artists. However,these artists flourished as the need for literary pieces became in high demand amongst the aristocrats. (Ballew)

Patronage

We have been very fortunate that our project has been underwritten by the generosity of the Fujiwara family. Lady Murasaki has been a strong supporter of the arts and has provided not only funding but intellectual support. The project was authorized in order to provide illustrations to coincide with the narrative for her literary piece. Lady Murasaki’s input, including the content and visuals she would like to see portrayed have been carried out to the highest degree. It is important for Lady Murasaki to highlight the positive developments in her life through the delicate colors and images which we are certain will be to her liking. A team of artists spent months working according to her wishes and have created a fluent, vibrant piece that sets the standards above what anyone has accomplished thus far.

This one of a kind novel will be not only be cherished though out history but will also be a historical reference to life at court. (Ballew)