Arts of Japan

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This course examines Japanese art from the prehistoric period to the 20th century. We will focus on Shinto shrines, Buddhist monasteries, narrative handscrolls, decorative folding screens, objects associated with the tea ceremony, woodblock prints of the “floating world,” and oil paintings. Emphasis will be placed upon the interrelationship between the visual properties of art objects and their materials and techniques, as well as the historical, social, and cultural contexts of their production. The issues that we will explore include interregional contacts and artistic exchange between the Japanese archipelago and the Asian continent, the functions of objects within religious contexts, the artistic patronage of members of the aristocracy and the military elite, and artistic encounters between Japan and Europe. Class visits and assignments focusing upon the collections of the National Museum of Asian Art will complement classroom learning and teach students how to engage with original artworks. No prior knowledge of Asian art is required or assumed for this course. For more information about this and other courses in the Department of Art and Art History, please visit https://art.georgetown.edu This class is not available to audit.