Timeline of Zen Buddhism in the Momoyama Period. by Haylee Strawn

Daruma, unknown artist, early 14th century Japan.

hstrawn9 — 2023-12-09 02:08:45 UTC

Chan (meditation) Buddhism emphasized the fundamental practice of meditation as the Buddha's path to enlightenment, not rituals or magical chants. In Japan this study of Buddhism was welcomed with enthusiasm during the time of civil war. Here in this painting we see this demonstrated as Bodhidharma, the founder of Chan/Zen Buddhism (whose name is spelled "Daruma" in Japanese) is depicted in Japanese fashion.At the same time, Zen became an immensely important source for artistic and cultural activities, especially ink painting.

The Chinese literati was of great influence when it came to painting in Japan a motif is the bonsai tree and the solitary figure. We will see more of these motifs as Zen painting develops.

Bunsei, Landscape, Muromachi period mid 15th century, hanging scroll with ink and light colors on paper

hstrawn9 — 2023-12-09 02:09:37 UTC

This painting gives so much as to how it shows how important Zen Buddhism has become in Japan. Zen painting has developed as a way to meditate will painting by letting the natural force of nature move through the body,hand and onto the canvas or paper. The deep ties of the Chinese literati are demonstrated here as we see the common motifs of a gnarled pine tree and a person not isolated but enjoying solitude. Here a great use of "Ma" is also demonstrated. More of the paper is untouched then painted. This is something shared with another painting known as "Landscape With Pavilions" . Zen paintings invoke a tranquil vibe.

Kaihō Yūshō, Dragons and clouds, 1599, ink on paper (Ken’ninji, Kyoto, image: Japan Times)

hstrawn9 — 2023-12-09 02:09:58 UTC

The Momoyama period also established the classical Japanese design known as the shoin style room.These elegant rooms functioned as spaces for receiving guests. The artistic elements create an atmosphere of harmony conducive for a formal social occasion. These rooms were often painted by members of the Kanō school. This artwork was done by artist; Kaihō Yūshō.Yūshō was popular for his monochrome ink style and later for his unique style that was more robust and rich. For this artwork the artist used a great deal of "Ma" and suggestive lines to create an illusion of space. This 3D perspective was a talent picked up from Europe. Both of these techniques are used in the later artwork also done by Kaihō Yūshō as he keeps an empty mind and therefore continues to grow his art skills.

Kaihō Yūshō, Landscape With Pavilions,(1603-1606),Momoyama period, ink on paper,

hstrawn9 — 2023-12-09 02:10:27 UTC

Kaihō Yūshō proves himself again with this breath taking two piece set of screens. Sticking to what works we can see the Chinese influence Yūshō so admires, the noticeable motifs such as the, knurled fully grown pines and the alone but not lonely people we can see. The "Ma" of Buddhism is also very present as it creates empty space but not as it takes on the form of mist that surrounds the painting and covers other portions. This leaves the mind to wonder and the eye to jump back and forth with ease not strain. Also seen in this artwork is a touch of European learned bits such as the use of , atmospheric perspective as it relates to the values of impermanence. This artwork is a masterpiece that gives off the feeling of content.