Scrolls And Literature In Japan

Scrolls as Art and Literature The Art of Early Japan Heian Japan World Literature Barrus

Phoenix Hall, Japan, Heian period, 1053

• Most important Pure Land Buddhism monument • Elevated wings, reflective pond- “floating weightlessness” of a celestial architecture

The Pillow Book • 枕草子 ,Makura no Sōshi • Captures Heian Japan • Portraits of female life during the time period

Scene from Minori chapter, Tale of Genji, Late Heian period, first half of 12th century

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Japan’s most admired literary classic Lives and loves of Prince Genji- view of court life 10 scrolls- painted by 5 teams of artists. Line and Hook (eyes + nose) Focus on emotionally charged moments in personal relationships rather than exemplary behavior

Detail of the Flying Storehouse, from The Legends of Mount Shigi, Late Heian period, late 12th century

• Buddhist tales- showing miraculous events • Rice filled storehouse of a wealthy landowner flying to poor monk’s (Myoren) hut in the mountains • Exaggerated emotions and gestures

Detail of The Burning of the Sanjo Palace, Kamakura period, 13th century

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Turbulent narrative handscroll painting Illustrates some of the battles of the Japanese civil wars Swift brushstrokes, vivid flashes of color Play with movement and composition Read story right to left

Key Scroll Components • Images of major events, daily life, recognizable situations • Text reveals subtlety of emotions and simplicity of action

Additional Resources

• http://www.maikoworks.com/categories/all/ • Simple Kanji and their meanings • http://japanese.about.com/library/blkanji.htm • http://ocw.mit.edu/ans7870/21f/21f.027/home/index • Basic Kanji lessons

• Visualizing Cultures Scroll Work