Art as a Cultural Identity
Art is a fundamental aspect of the Japanese and Chinese culture, and in most cases, it is attributed as a form of identity for the two cultures. Analysis of the two types of art provides the understanding that Japanese art can trace its origin to Chinese art but over the years Japanese art has transformed to adopt its unique identity. Japanese and Chinese art are unique and distinct but there share some similarities based on the themes used.
Similarity in Themes
One of the similarities identified in the two forms of art is the depiction of the subject matter. An analysis of the Japanese and Chinese art shows a continuous use of traditional forms such as figures and landscapes in their paintings (Metropolitan Museum of Art). The two cultures used this aspect where they incorporated depictions of different features associated with the community such as the Bento 513 and Shapiro 2791 (Metropolitan Museum of Art).
Use of Color and Design
In the analysis of the art themes used by the Japanese and the Chinese, we can identify similarity in the use of color and design. The Japanese and Chinese painters opted for the use of linear perspective, which entailed the incorporation of relative positions of size and distance used in line with actual presentations, in their paintings (Metropolitan Museum of Art). In this case, both the Japanese and Chinese painters favored the theme associated with oil paintings which can be seen in the Fiero 92 and Utamaro 1753-1806 (Metropolitan Museum of Art).
Architecture in Art
Japanese and Chinese art are seen to adopt a similar theme in the application of architecture in their paintings and drawings. Based on the use of architecture in the art as a crucial theme, the two cultures managed to maintain a constant representation of harmony with nature (Metropolitan Museum of Art). The theme was brought about by the use of ferns and bamboos, and rocks to depict the serenity of the gardens as a place of meditation with examples of such art include Rutherford 114-119 and Fiero 89-93 (Metropolitan Museum of Art).
Work Cited
Metropolitan Museum of Art. “Great Waves: Chinese Themes in the Arts of Korea and Japan | The Metropolitan Museum of Art.” Metropolitan Museum of Art, https://www.metmuseum.org/press/exhibitions/2003/great-waves-chinese-themes-in-the-arts-of-korea-and-japan. Accessed 5 Oct. 2018.
