Though the Heian had it's place as a prominent art movement, the Momoyama period can be considered the cultural golden age. It was characterized by opulent, dynamic style. People in power were toeing the line between art and an obnoxious flaunting of grandeur.
The time, politically, was a transfer from a civil war to peace, which had a considerable impact on the mood of the works being made.
The time, politically, was a transfer from a civil war to peace, which had a considerable impact on the mood of the works being made.
To Characterize Momoyama
Gold LeafTruly a sign of the extravagance of the Momoyama period, gold was slapped onto everything. Architecture, furniture, paintings, clothing, you name it. It showed the growing wealth of the aristocrats, as well as the growing power of the merchant class. Even fortresses were very lavishly decorated.
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PaintingThe art of painting continued to evolve into the Momoyama. The stiff, monochromatic style that characterised Kamakura paintings was broken down in this era. Bright colors were painted onto gold and silver backgrounds, with much more flowing and free lines. Traditional ink styles and techniques were boldly challenged by this new era of painting.
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Tea CeremonyIn stark contrast to the splendor of most of the era, the tea ceremony was a time and place devoted to simplicity. Architecture in the tea room, as well as the utensils used, were traditional and simple. This rustic classicality appealed particularly to the military elite.
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Karatsu Ceramics
Karatsu, a town in southern Japan, has long been a foreign trade hub, and the style of pottery that evolved into Karatsu ware is thought to have come from Korea.
Even today, Karatsu is known for their ceramics. They have a simple, imperfect kind of beauty that you can't find anywhere else. Of course, they were ideal for the tea ceremony.
The ceramics that are so iconic to the Japanese are a testament to the power overseas trade had during this time period. Momoyama was somewhat of a period of cultural immersion, where Japanese art ambassadors scouted China and Korea for the latest techniques and styles.
Even today, Karatsu is known for their ceramics. They have a simple, imperfect kind of beauty that you can't find anywhere else. Of course, they were ideal for the tea ceremony.
The ceramics that are so iconic to the Japanese are a testament to the power overseas trade had during this time period. Momoyama was somewhat of a period of cultural immersion, where Japanese art ambassadors scouted China and Korea for the latest techniques and styles.