Nani? What's Nihonga Style?
Let's learn the art of the East!
Someone asked a really great question on one of my other videos [Why do Art Nouveau artists use these colors? ] This is what they asked:
“I would love to hear your impressions of the Nihonga style: The absence of realism, The absence of shadow, The presence of outline, The absence of a rich palette, The expression is simple. It has become one of my favorite artistic movements since discovering it in Japan.”
Today, we’re going to dig and discover what Nihonga Style is. And later share my impression on what my thoughts are on Nihonga Style.
We’ll learn important things about the world of Nihonga Style.
What is Nihonga Style?
What’s important and interesting about it?
Nihonga Style Characteristiscs?
Famous artists from this Era
What are my Impressions of Nihonga Style?
What is Nihonga Style?
Nihonga (Japanese: 日本画) is a Japanese style of painting that uses mineral pigments, and occasionally ink, together with other organic pigments on silk or paper. The term came during the Meiji period (1868–1912) to differentiate it from its counterpart, known as Yōga (洋画) or Western-style painting.
The word "NIHONGA" literally translates to “Japanese Painting” Which can sound broad but this is a very unusual and specific niche within the variety of Japanese painting styles and techniques.
Nihonga incorporates ink, and/or pigment, gold and silver leaf on washi (Japanese paper) or eginu (silk). Introduced to Japan through its contact with Chinese culture, the Nihonga technique has remained relatively unchanged since the 8th century. Although the style originated in the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618-907), it was overlooked by its native country when ink painting became the dominant medium. The Chinese style, however, was adopted in Japan and its development defined Japanese painting for centuries.
Begun in late 19th century Japan as an indigenous art movement, Nihonga continues to the present day, exemplified by the art and lineage of over six generations of painters. Described in part through their use of traditional materials, techniques, and methods, Nihonga artists are highly skilled and versatile, having mastered a wide variety of styles while possessing a full repertoire of genres, themes, and subjects. It is not unusual for a Nihonga painter known for his meticulous gold and silver screens also to create profoundly expressive ink landscapes. As an art movement, Nihonga and its artists have incorporated nearly every aspect of modernity in painting.
Why is Nihonga Style Important?
Nihonga artists attempted to merge aspects of Western art, such as chiaroscuro and one-point perspective, with the conventions of traditional Japanese styles of painting. Not only were Japanese materials used, but the teaching and practice of Nihonga incorporated centuries-old beliefs and traditions.
Nihonga developed as an art movement in direct response to the transformation of Japanese society during the Meiji Period. As Japan opened its trade borders for the first time in over two centuries, a push toward modernity occurred in all sectors of the country's society.
The Nihonga that Okakura intended to foster was not just preserving traditional Japanese technique and style, but also brought in some necessary Western techniques, aiming to create Japanese paintings that could hold their own against Western paintings.
Characteristics of Nihonga Style.
Some key features of what sets apart Nihonga, or traditional Japanese art techniques, from Western styles:
It doesn't aim to be as realistic as a photograph.
It doesn't have shadows.
It has an outline.
The color tone isn't rich.
The expressions are simple.
Rediscovering the Classic Japanese Painting Style ... Nihonga is a style of painting that uses all-natural materials. The paintings are done on silk or washi paper using sumi ink, gofun (a white pigment made from pulverized seashells), and other natural mineral pigments. This means that the paintings are very delicate and easily damaged.
Famous Artists of Nihonga Style
Now let’s take a look at some of the most well-known artists in the Nihonga style period!
Gyoshū Hayami 速水 御舟 (1894 - 1935) Hayami Gyoshu (1894–1935) was a prominent nihonga artist and created many masterpieces making skillful use of gold as a coloring material. “As Gyoshu died suddenly at 40, his time as an artist was short at a little over 20 years.
Tomioka Tessai 富岡 鉄斎 (1836 - 1924) Tessai was the pseudonym for a painter and calligrapher in imperial Japan. He is regarded as the last major artist in the Bunjinga tradition and one of the first major artists of the Nihonga style.
Hishida Shunsō 菱田 春草 (1874 - 1911) Shunsō was a painter who, with his friend Yokoyama Taikan, contributed to the revitalization of traditional Japanese painting.
Yokoyama Taikan 横山 大観 (1868 - 1958) Yokoyama Taikan was the art name of a major figure in pre-World War II Japanese painting. He is notable for helping create the Japanese painting technique of Nihonga.
My Impressions of Nihonga Style.
Well, I'm happy that I discovered more about it because it brings me back to when I painted traditional Chinese art but with an interesting element of Western art. I really love the neutral colors it used making the paintings feel tranquil and calm. The feeling becomes quite melancholic while looking at Nihonga paintings.
Mini Exercise for you!
This week, I want you to explore more on your own and see what else you can discover about Nihonga Style. See if you can learn more and explore some of your new favorite artists from this time and art movement.
Have fun learning and exploring!
What did you discover?
I’m curious to see what you discover about Post-Impressionism is. And do you think it has a large difference compared to Impressionism? If you also discovered something new about it, I would love to know! (You can comment and share your thoughts below!)
Thank you for reading my fun little discovery and I hope you also get to learn and share your discoveries too!
Share this with fellow friends, family, and artists who would benefit and love learning more about art! On social media, email, or text. Thanks for reading!
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