This course surveys the development of landscape art in Japan from the 8th to 18th centuries. The seminar will focus on three main bodies of material: the polychrome landscape tradition (such as poetic evocations of famous places and medieval paintings of sacred sites), the monochrome tradition (especially Zen art and literati painting), and early modern landscapes (including woodblock prints and Western-style painting). We will also consider supplementary materials including Chinese and Korean landscape painting precedents, and "quasi-landscapes," such as maps and non-painted representations of Japan. Throughout the course, we will examine inherited notions of "landscape," as well as constructions of social identity, national community, and sacred space through visual means. All are welcome to attend.
Estimated cost of material: $50 or more, but less than $100.
C. 2, 3