Spring 2008 Exhibition
Kimura Kenkado (1736–1802)
The Red Cliff
Mid Edo period (18th c.)
Hanging scroll
Traces of China: The Japanese Transformation of Chinese Themes and Techniques
April 5 – August 2, 2008
The geographical closeness between the Chinese mainland and the Japanese isles laid ground for recurring waves of political and cultural streams which spilled over from China, via Korea into Japan. From the writing system to philosophical and religious ideas like Confucianism and Buddhism, China’s omnipresence in Japan was already vital during the Heian period (794–1185) when the Tang dynasty (618–906) ruled over China.
Independent from the political situation like invasion attempts from both sides, Chinese art was and still is today highly valued in Japan. In the sixteenth century, Japanese artists and patrons claimed Chinese antiques as part of their own cultural heritage. Chinese artworks were detached from their original function and assimilated to the Japanese way of presenting and appreciating art. Chinese subjects and motifs were taken up by Japanese artists who tried to visualize their imagination of China, even though only very few of them ever had the chance to see it with their own eyes. Chinese objects and techniques served as models from which Japanese artists developed their own unique and inventive styles and forms.
The spring exhibition at The Clark Center for Japanese Art and Culture focuses on the traces of China that are found in Japanese art. It presents Chinese themes like idealized landscapes and introduces also Chinese painting and ceramic techniques that were employed by Japanese artists. Ranging from the fourteenth century to the present day, this exhibition provides a lively account of China’s influence on Japanese art.
Yokoyama Kazan (1784–1837)
The Gathering in the Orchard Pavilion
Mid Edo period (early 19th c.)
Six-fold folding screen
Curated by Andreas Marks, Director/Chief Curator
Sponsor of the exhibition and the accompanying catalog
Gallery hours: Tuesday through Saturday 1 – 5 pm. Closed on national holidays and during the month of August.
Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for students with valid ID. Children 12 and under free.
Weekly docent tours are held Saturdays at 1 pm and guided group tours can be arranged by calling the Center in advance at (559) 582-4915.