These periods of intense social and political conflict gave rise to innovative artistic traditions.
Nanbokuchō (1333–1392 C.E.), Muromachi (1392–1573 C.E.)
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What are the Nanbokuchō and Muromachi periods?
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Kichizan Minchō, Monju Bosatsu
Monju was a bodhisattva popular among Zen Buddhists, and he is here painted by a Zen monk-painter
Sessō Tōyō, Haboku-style landscape
Sesshu Toyo's painting involves a remarkable economy of brushwork, often called haboku (broken ink) or hatsuboku (flung ink).
Nanbokuchō and Muromachi periods, an introduction
Art coming from contemporaneous Ming-dynasty China as well older Chinese art deeply influenced Japanese arts, especially the emerging local tradition of ink landscape painting.
Bamboo in the Four Seasons: painting and poetry in Japan
Originally a sliding wall, these golden panels use bamboo, a Chinese motif, to illustrate a Japanese poetic trope.
Ryōanji (Peaceful Dragon Temple)
This atmospheric space awakens the eye, heightens the senses, and prepares the path for enlightenment.
Muromachi to Momoyama period Negoro ware ewer
This delicate red vessel resembles patinated metal, but it’s made from wood that’s lacquered (coated with sap).
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