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What is Nihonga?
Shiga Museum of Art
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The term "Nihonga" has a quite complex and surprising definition. Originally coined by an American, it emerged in Japan during the Meiji period to distinguish traditional Japanese painting from the Western styles that were gaining popularity. This American was Ernest Fenollosa, an Oriental art historian who came to Japan as part of the foreign advisors. He focused on the materials and techniques inherited in Japanese painting, viewing them as distinctive artistic styles, and thus he coined the term "Nihonga" to encapsulate these ideas.
Fenollosa's close friend, Tenshin Okakura, founder of the Japan Art Institute, further developed the concept, aiming to establish Nihonga as an art form that could rival Western painting. Modern Nihonga, created by artists gathered under Okakura's leadership, laid the foundation for what we envision as "Nihonga" today.
Despite this foundation, the concept and framework of Nihonga have evolved and become ambiguous over time due to influences from Western art, reforms in artistic materials post-World War II, and the diversification of art genres. As a result, defining Nihonga has become a challenging task.
Yet, perhaps because of this complexity, appreciating Nihonga remains an enjoyable experience. This exhibition introduces the characteristics and diverse charms of this genre, focusing on materials, forms, and expressions.
Fenollosa's close friend, Tenshin Okakura, founder of the Japan Art Institute, further developed the concept, aiming to establish Nihonga as an art form that could rival Western painting. Modern Nihonga, created by artists gathered under Okakura's leadership, laid the foundation for what we envision as "Nihonga" today.
Despite this foundation, the concept and framework of Nihonga have evolved and become ambiguous over time due to influences from Western art, reforms in artistic materials post-World War II, and the diversification of art genres. As a result, defining Nihonga has become a challenging task.
Yet, perhaps because of this complexity, appreciating Nihonga remains an enjoyable experience. This exhibition introduces the characteristics and diverse charms of this genre, focusing on materials, forms, and expressions.
Schedule | Jul 6 (Sat) 2024-Sep 23 (Mon) 2024 Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Adults ¥540; University and High School Students ¥340; Junior High School Students and Under, Seniors 65 & Over residing in Shiga, Persons with Disability Certificates free. | ||||
| Website | https://www.shigamuseum.jp/exhibitions/7767/ | ||||
| Venue | Shiga Museum of Art | ||||
| Location | 1740-1 Setaminamiogayacho, Otsu-shi, Shiga 520-2122 | ||||
| Access | From the South exit of Seta Station on the JR Biwako line, take the Teisan bus or Ohmi Railway Bus towards Shigaidai or Daigaku-Byoin and get off at Bunka Zone-mae. The venue is 5 minute walk from there. | ||||
| Phone | 077-543-2111 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it |
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