Japan & Japanisme, Ch. 18

 In week two of class, we talked about Japan and Japanisme from chapter 18. The Japanese design was strongly affected by China, but distinct in nature. Here of some differences between Japanese and Chinese designs. The Japanese valued impromptu and off-center rather than Chinese formality and axiality. The Japanese loved chance and change, while the Chinese were highly committed to age, lineage, and permanency. The Japanese also valued diversity and even imperfection, but the Chinese valued perfection.

Factors that influenced Japanese design

The Japanese design emphasizes simplicity, naturalness, and attention to detail. This details can be observed in other elements of Japanese living, such as tea preparation, flower or stone arranging in a garden, and character writing. The religion also played a factor in the Japanese thought and design. There were three main religions that the Japanese design had referred to, which were Buddhism, Confucianism and Shintoism. The Japanese geography also had a strong influence on the design. Japan is formed by islands of of the east coast of Asia. On these islands of japan were mountains and most of them were volcanic. Due to frequent earthquakes that occur there, buildings were made from wood or bamboo because it was safer then masonry ones.

The Japanese architecture

The primary material used in Japanese architecture was wood. Main structures were in rows of columns, infilled with movable panels. These panels were made out of either woodwork, plaster or rice paper. The framing was orthogonal. The column outlines, rafters, and roof brackets all feature graceful curves. Japanese buildings that were secular or sacred are made up of bays. These buildings were either three, five, seven or any odd number of bays long. On the exterior walls they have a shogi that is used as a door or window.

The Japanese Interior

                           Tatami mats                                                     Tokonoma

Interior spaces are adaptable, with modular bays separated by fusuma (movable screens composed of paper, silk, or decorative panels). Tatami mats, which were traditionally made of rice straw but are now occasionally made of vinyl, determine the size and shape of the room. These mats are 2 inches thick and approximately 3 by 6 feet. Shoes are not permitted indoors, and hierarchy is indicated by elevating portions of the floor. Decorative features enhance, but do not overpower, the building's structure. The tokonoma, or display niche, holds flowers, scrolls, or treasured artwork, making it a vital part of the home. The interior spaces are seamlessly linked to the outside.

The Imperial Village of Katsura

The Katsura Imperial Villa, finished in 1663 by architect Kobori Enshu, took 50 years to build. Modernist architects investigated it because of its historical and formal intricacy. It is located by the Katsura River and consists several tea pavilions connected by a winding stone path. Katsura is noted for its simplicity, perfection of form, and spirit of freedom, all of which Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe looked into at the Bauhaus.

Japanese Furniture

                            Enza                                                                       Zabuton
                             Kurodana                                                                     Clothes Chest
         Original hibachi                                             New styled hibachi

Traditional Japanese interiors include a low center of gravity and a concentration on the floor. The furniture was flexible, allowing spaces to perform numerous functions. Magnolia, paulownia, zelkova, white mulberry, and chestnut were among the most commonly used woods for furniture. Chairs were previously uncommon, and cushions such as the circular enza and square zabuton were preferred seating. Folding chairs were brought by Chinese influences, although they did not become popular in Japan until the twentieth century. Platforms, mats, beds, and legless storage chests with skillfully carved joints were among the most common furniture kinds. The kurodana was a freestanding shelving device designed for personal storage. Moveable screens, frequently painted, were used to provide privacy, decoration, and light reflection. Their popularity in Europe inspired Japanese design, and they were included in Western art, including works by Whistler and Manet. Beds played a small part, with futons, which were initially meant for the upper class, becoming popular and later introduced to the West in the twentieth century. The floor-focused interior design featured small tray tables for reading, calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and eating.

Japanisme

European and American designers from the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau periods admired Japanese art and were inspired by its emphasis on nature and woodcut techniques.

Modern Japanese pictures

One Step Further

 Kisho Kurokawa (1934-2007) was a Japanese architect who founded the Metabolist style, which stressed adaptability, modularity, and organic design. His designs combined traditional Japanese principles with modern technology. Notable works include Tokyo's National Art Center and the Nakagin Capsule Tower. Kurokawa also supported sustainability and partnership in architecture.