3rd Quarter Challenge 2017
My first instinct was to go towards some type of abstract art, but we’ve done a couple of challenges in past years. So, I took a left turn and decided on something entirely different. Japanese Art from the Edo/Tokugawa period in the early 1600s to the mid 1800s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edo_period
Here is a bit more cultural history. https://www.britannica.com/event/Edo-culture
Woodblock printing became very popular during this period and much of the art was created this way. One of my favorites is The Great Wave off Kanagawa.
A lot of the art featured Samurai, Kabuki players, Geisha, but then there were more sumi-e ink type paintings that were not as detailed and spoke more of nature.
While a lot of the art was very detailed, there were also paintings done in a sumi-e ink style paintings. Today, there are a couple of textile artists doing sumi-e ink on felt. But I also like the idea of painting with wool.
http://www.sumiesociety.org/whatissumie.php
Here are some simpler paintings.
You’ll see a lot of cranes in Japanese art since they have a significant cultural meaning of honor and loyalty. Origami was developed during this period as well.
There were also specific crafts during this period. The making of handballs for children, doll making, laquerware and weaving among them.
https://www.boundless.com/art-history/textbooks/boundless-art-history-textbook/japan-after-1333-ce-30/the-edo-period-188/crafts-in-the-edo-period-689-8047/
There was also sculpture and folding panel paintings were very popular.
And of course Kimonos continue to be an art form today. This one is from the Edo period.
I think there is plenty to choose from in terms of what you’d like to create. Here is another resource or just Google Edo Art Period for images.
https://www.artsy.net/artwork/suzuki-kiitsu-cranes-japan-edo-period-1615-1868#!
I look forward to seeing what everyone creates! Have fun!