Japanese Art in the Edo Period

Japanese people in the Edo period cherished traditional art forms while at the same time embracing newer art forms. Japanese Art in the Edo Period introduces students to a variety of schools of painting that flourished in the relatively peaceful society that existed during the Edo period.

Lesson One introduces students to the Edo period, which began in the early 17th century and ended with the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Students learn about the social hierarchy of the period.

Lesson Two examines the role of travel in the Edo period and how travel contributed to the spread of art and artistic techniques around the country. They view images of travel (e.g., pilgrimages, a daimyo's procession) in Edo Japan.

Lesson Three defines "official" and "unofficial" art in the Edo period, and examines the connection between these types of art and social hierarchy, as well as the role of religion in Edo period art.

Lesson Four defines literati art and discusses its development in the rural areas during the Edo period. The lesson also discusses collaborative art.

Lesson Five discusses the influences of Chinese and Western techniques and materials on the artists of the Edo period, focusing specifically on the artists of Nagasaki.