“Waiting for the Moon” (1944) by Uemura Shoen. Image courtesy of the Adachi Museum of Art, Shimane Prefecture
Nihonga draws on the traditions of over a thousand years, yet is a distinct genre of modern Japanese painting that developed from around the turn of the twentieth century. Today, it has evolved into an international art form, adopted by artists of many nationalities. Subject matter, too, is no longer limited to traditional Japanese themes. Arts writer Alice Gordenker explains why nihonga is now best defined by the very distinctive set of materials used, which includes gold, silver and ground shells and semi-precious stones.
Read the full article on All About Japan.
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