-
Feb 13, 1568
Momoyama Period
This time began when Oda Nobunga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi politically unified all of Japan. This brought a new secular style to art, and resulted in the building of big, ostentatious castles like Himeji Caste. -
Shintoism Established
The new Tokugawa Dynasty established Shintoism as the new state religion. Under this religion, the Japanese worshipped all parts of their culture and thought themselves superior to everyone else. This impacted art not only by causing isolationism and preventing Japan from borrowing other civilization's ideas, but it also lead to the creation of art that bragged about Japan's superiority. For example, art works were made idolizing the people and especially the geographical features of Japan. -
Tokugawa Period Begins
The Tokugawa period was established after the time of the Warring States, when Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun. He brought a new period of stability to the region, which resulted in a burst of new art works. Schools of painting were established, and new forms of art like Ukiyo-e, a style of wood block printing, were popularized. -
Wood Block Printing Techniques Advance
Before the 17th century, wood block printing was used mainly by Buddhists to make inexpensive images. The Tokugawa period lead to an increased interest in everyday life, which lead to the creation of more of these prints. They became even more popular as people in the public learned how to read. Soon, single sheet prints and better color techniques were invented, so more diverse and unique artworks could be created. -
Meji Era
During the Meji Era, Japan was for the first time exposed to western ideas. It began to become more modern, and established European institutions like industrialization, universal education, and colonization. Likewise, their art also had noticeable influences from Europe. For example, the Japanese adopted the western Yoga style of painting, which involved using water colors, pastels, and etchings, in place of the traditional Japanese ink. The Japanese even sent their students to Europe to
