The Arts of Japan

Undergraduate catalogue

Surveys arts of Japan from the pre-historic period through the present day. Painting, sculpture, and architecture form the core of study. Examines role of other forms: calligraphy, lacquer, and ceramics. Takes close account of the broader cultural and historical contexts in which art was made. Topics include ongoing tension in Japanese art between foreign and indigenous, role of ritual in Japan's visual arts, re-uses of the past, and formats and materials of Japanese art. For department majors, this course satisfies one of the historical periods and the Asia & Middle East cultural area distribution requirement. Two lectures, one preceptorial.