Spring 2008

Traces of China:
The Japanese Transformation of
Chinese Themes and Techniques

April 5 through August 2, 2008

Kimura Kenkado (1736–1802), The Red Cliff. Mid Edo period (18th c.). Hanging scroll; ink on paper, 56.5 x 27.3 cm.

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.

The exhibition is accompanied by a catalog and will open on April 5 and run through August 2.

Gallery hours: Tuesday through Saturday 1 - 5 pm. Closed on national holidays.
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.

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