Discussion Qs

Question 1

What were the main types of works to be printed when woodblock printing was first invented?

Answer 1

The main types of materials created with woodblock printing were religious materials such as Buddhist sutra charms.

Question 2

What were the main materials & tools for woodblock printing?

Answer 2

Main materials include wood, ink, and paper
Tools include a fist knife, paint brush, print brush (for applying ink made with palm fibers), and a hand print tool.

Question 3

What were the Main types of books by woodblock printing during the Song Dynasty (China) and what were the reasons for the demand for these types of books?

Answer 3

Confucius’s ideology led to the growth of the literati class due to the civil service exam. This caused a rise in academic-based books such as textbooks, poetry, and religious texts (Buddhist).
Confucius’s belief upheld educational-based merit. This allowed for common people to rise in social status based on knowledge rather than blood.

Question 4

When were print technologies first introduced in the Korean Peninsula?

Answer 4

Goryeo period during the 18th century.

Question 5

Describe the Hyakumanto Dhāraṇī (One Million Pagoda) scrolls, what are they and why were they made?

Answer 5

They are miniature wooden pagodas that contain a rolled-up Buddhist prayer in the center. This symbolically resembles the main pillar of the average Pagoda which was believed to aid in connection with the spirits. When the prayer was chanted, it was supposed to aid in protection. They were a more accessible way to worship and thus aid in the spread of religion.

Question 6

What are the main materials for making movable types?

Answer 6

The main materials for making a movable type are wood, earthenware, enamelware, and various metals such as bronx and tin.

Question 7

The main types of works were printed when woodblock printing was first invented.

Answer 7

Religious Materials & Buddhist sutra charms

Question 8

The main materials and tools for woodblock printing.

Answer 8

Material: Wood, Ink, Paper
Tools: Fist knife, Paint Brush, Print brush (palm fiber), Handprint tool

Question 9

What were the main types of books by woodblock printing during the Song Dynasty China, and what were the reasons for the demand for these types of books?

Answer 9

Confucianism promoted education-based merit, the Civil service exam grew literati class, rise in educational texts

Question 10

When were print technologies introduced in the Korean peninsula?

Answer 10

During the Goryeo Period

Question 11

Describe the Hyakumanto Dhāraṇī (One Million pagoda) scrolls, what are they and why were they made?

Answer 11

Miniature wooden pagodas used to store rolled up Buddhist Sutra prayers. Acted as the main pillar of standard pagodas. Chanted for protection

Question 12

What are the main materials used for making movable types?

Answer 12

Wood, Earthenware, Enamelware, Metals (Bronze & Tin)

Question 13

What do these terms mean? - Matrix, folio/leaf, registration, imprint, manuscript.

Answer 13

Matrix: template made of woods, glass, or metal designed with tools or chemicals Folio/leaf: two opposing, consecutive designs carved non the same wood block Registration: alignment
Imprint: line created by pressure
Manuscript: printed script (modern- unpublished script)

Question 14

What were the main ingredients for making paper when it was first invented in China?

Answer 14

Mulberry bark, hemp fiber, and old rags

Question 15

What types of books are included in the genre called huapu?

Answer 15

Treaties on art, catalogs, albums, and painting manuals

Question 16

What are some of the usages of the different types of huapu?

Answer 16

Diffrent types of huapu are guides for the merchant class to use for art collecting. Art perceives one’s social standing.

Question 17

Why did painting manuals and art albums become popular during the Ming dynasty in China?

Answer 17

Painting manuals and art albums were popularized during the Ming dynasty due to being used for referencing the works of “old Masters” as they were seen as the superior age of arts.

Question 18

What led to the flourishing of the print industry in the Yangzi Delta area in China in the Ming dynasty?

Answer 18

The growth of the print industry within the Yangzi Delta area during the Ming dynasty was caused by the corrupt gov due to the eunuchs. Leading to the Court artisins fleeing to the North and thus brought talents. (Literari fled)

Question 19

What purposes did the image compendia such as Gu shi huapu (Master Gu’s Painting Manual) serve other than for novice painters to learn how to paint?

Answer 19

Image compendia aid in upholding the social divide as original arts were only available to the elite. This caused shifts in composition as the original works were being “replicated” inaccurately due to a change of materials, from vertical silk to a woodblock. Cause for vast changes to originals.

Question 20

What was the most important quality in an artist’s work according to Ming theorist and artist Dong Qichang?

Answer 20

Dong Qichang favorited the “southern School” way to arts. He believed in the notion that Past Masters were forevor supiroir and thus promoted elitisum. This due to the eliet only able to acsess these works.

Question 21

What owned the real political power in Japan during the Edo period?

Answer 21

The Tokugawa Shogunate held the true political power during the Edo Period.

Question 22

Why did the elite classes (samurai and aristocrats) restrict access to art by the lower classes?

Answer 22

The elite class restricted lower class access to art in order to maintain the social order and further heighten its exclusiveness.

Question 23

What led to the flourishing of the print industry in the 1700s in Japan?

Answer 23

The rise of the Print Industry in 1700s Japan was caused by the overpopulation of Kano School due to nepotism. This resulted in the mixing of Original and fake works. This allowed the Mearchant class to gain wealth.

Question 24

What popular types of wood-block printed books were published during this period? (Ming)

Answer 24

The growth of the print industry within the Yangzi Delta area during the Ming dynasty was caused by the corrupt gov due to the eunuchs. This led to the Court artisans fleeing to the North and thus brought talents. (Literari fled)

Question 25

What purposes did the image compendia such as Gu shi huapu (Master Gu’s Painting Manual) serve other than for novice painters to learn how to paint?

Answer 25

Image compendia aid in upholding the social divide as original arts were only available to the elite. This caused shifts in composition as the original works were being “replicated” inaccurately due to a change of materials, from vertical silk to a woodblock. Cause for vast changes to originals.

Question 26

What was the most important quality in an artist’s work according to Ming theorist and artist Dong Qichang?

Answer 26

Dong Qichang favored the “Southern School” way of arts. He believed in the notion that Past Masters were forever superior and thus promoted elitism. This is due to the elite only able to access these works.

Question 27

Why did the elite classes (samurai and aristocrats) restrict access to art by the lower classes?

Answer 27

The elite class restricted lower class access to art in order to maintain the social order and further heighten its exclusiveness.

Question 28

9. What led to the flourishing of the print industry in the 1700s in Japan?

Answer 28

The rise of the Print Industry in 1700s Japan was caused by an overpopulation of Kano School due to nepotism. This resulted in the mixing of Original and fake works. This allowed the Mearchant class to gain wealth.

Question 29

What is the literal meaning of the term “ukiyo-e”?

Answer 29

Ukiyo-e translates to “Pictures of the Floating World”

Question 30

What were some of the most important reasons for rise of the chonin (townspeople) class in Edo Japan in the 1600s?

Answer 30

The rise of Chonin (townspeople) in Edo 1600s:
Alternating attendance: The Shogun wanted to continue withholding power by forcing Daimyo to continuously travel between Edo and designated region by withholding their families in Edo This caused them to stay poor as Samurai frivolously spent earnings on pleasure in the Yoshiwara district, Kaboki Theatre (the arts of song & dance), and gambling. The later caused them to become in debt to the merchant class.

Question 31

What are some of the basic tools and materials for making ukiyo-e images? And what is the process?

Answer 31

Woodblock, carving tools (chisel & malet), paper (washu), Ink Sticks, Baren, Registration system Masagami- special Japanese paper made with through process called dosabiki, coated w/ alum and glue
The eshi sketches the design with sumisen (ink lines).
The horishi pastes the sketch on a wood block and carves out the design on woodblock, called an omohan (key block) is only for printing the black outline. Other blocks carved out for each color are called irohan (color plates).
The surishi applies color on the blocks under the artist’s supervision. The printer uses these markings to make sure the paper is set on the block in the right position, so that the colors don’t go out of place. Colors applied in the order of [lightest to darkest] & [smallest area to largest area] as a general rule. Gradations are added to give the finishing touch.

Question 32

Who was involved in the process of making and publishing ukiyo-e?
Eshi = painter

Answer 32

Eshi = painter
Horishi = carver
Surshi = rubber/printer
Publisher = Determined subject of prints

Question 33

What is a nishiki-e?

Answer 33

“Brocade prints” aka multi-colors, complex prints

Question 34

What are the main subject matters of ukiyo-e? And how each of the subjects reflected the lived experience of the people in Edo at the time?

Answer 34

Beauties - Showcase what women should aim for in style/appearance
The Yoshiwara District (the pleasure quarters) - emphasized the blurring of social classes, glorification of Red light district
Courtesans / shunga (erotic paintings) - created for men by men, beginning of commercialization
Kabuki Theatres - sets of prints depicting the actors, roles portrayed, scenes. Used for souvenirs and collectables. Fantasies / social satires - print used solely for entertainment
Manga - original format of famed media
Landscape - souvenirs caused by the rise of travel during the mid 18th century.

Question 35

What were the characteristics of bronzes produced during the Shang dynasty China. What are the forms and patterns. And what were their functions?

Answer 35

Zoomorphic designs, Taotie mask motifs

Question 36

What was in the Book of Rites composed during the Western Zhou period (ca. 1050-771 BCE)?

Answer 36

Detailed the social forms, administration, and ceremonial rites of the Zhou.

Question 37

What were the characteristics of bronzes produced during the Zhou dynasty? What can be found on the surface of these bronzes that were not seen on those produced during the Shang dynasty?

Answer 37

Notable characteristics of open, flowing, decorative patterns with less abstract animal motifs.

Question 38

How do the inscriptions on the Zhou bronzes reflect the social-political practices and philosophical thoughts of the Zhou dynasty? Inscriptions eluded to social hierarchy, the concept of the Mandate of Heaven?

Answer 38

Northeastern Manchu

Question 39

What ethnic group ruled China during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912)? Who were these people?

Answer 39

Han Chinese

Question 40

Why were the “leftover” subjects so keen on the study of antiquities during the Qing dynasty?

Answer 40

Way of saving their historical culture during a time of new multiethnic agenda from the Manchu rulers.

Question 41

What is Jinshixue?

Answer 41

The study of metal and stone

Question 42

What is a composite/ full-form rubbing? How was that made? How did the artists during the late Qing dynasty (nineteenth century) incorporated these rubbings on their paintings?

Answer 42

Chinese art technique where the artist combines multiple rubbings from several parts of an existing carved stone. Assemblage of full picture.

Question 43

What is the story in the painting Monk Dashou Cleaning the Antique Lamp Stand by Chen Geng?

Answer 43

The painting Monk Dashou Cleaning the Antique Lamp Stand by Chen Geng symbolizes Zen Buddhist principles of mindfulness and simplicity. It depicts a monk cleaning a lampstand, representing the spiritual practice of clearing ignorance to attain enlightenment. The act highlights the importance of finding wisdom and clarity through everyday tasks, reflecting Zen’s focus on harmony and presence in the moment.

Question 44

The images in the set of albums Chengshi moyuan (The Ink Garden of Mr. Cheng; Ming dynasty, 1606) mainly depict the designs of which type of object?

Answer 44

The images in Chengshi moyuan (1606, Ming dynasty) primarily depict decorative designs for seals, often incorporating landscapes, flora, and geometric motifs. These designs influenced literati culture and were used as references for seal engraving.

Question 45

What are the main subject matters and stylistic characters of “Suzhou prints” that were
popular in mid eighteenth-century Qing dynasty China?

Answer 45

Subject Matters:
Popular stories from operas and folklore, religious figures, auspicious symbols, daily life scenes, and
decorative motifs for festivals.
Stylistic Characteristics:
Bright, vivid colors and simplified compositions.
Woodblock printing techniques with precise outlines and decorative elements. Emphasis on visual appeal over realistic detail.

Question 46

Lang Shining (Giuseppe Castiglione) served in the Qing dynasty court. What were some
of his most important contributions to Chinese art during his time in court?

Answer 46

Fused European linear perspective and realistic portraiture with traditional Chinese brush techniques. Created lifelike imperial portraits and monumental paintings such as “One Hundred Horses” (1728). Contributed to court architecture and decorative arts, integrating Western aesthetics with Chinese traditions. His works played a crucial role in the Qing imperial court’s visual representation of power and cultural hybridity.

Question 47

What main political event happened during the Meiji Restoration in Japan? And when was the year that it happened?

Answer 47

1868: The restoration of imperial rule under Emperor Meiji, ending the Tokugawa shogunate’s military government (bakufu).

Question 48

What are some of the new subject matters of Ukiyo-e published during the Meiji period?

Answer 48

Depictions of industrialization, modern technology (e.g., trains, steamships), and Western influences. Events like the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars.
Scenes showcasing modernized cities and lifestyles, Western fashion, and cultural shifts.

Question 49

List some of the European and American artists who were greatly influenced by the use of colors and compositions in ukiyo-e.

Answer 49

European Artists:
Vincent van Gogh Claude Monet

American Artists:
Edgar Degas
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Mary Cassatt
James McNeill Whistler
Frank Lloyd Wright (in design and architecture).

Question 50

What are some of the characteristics of Nihonga?

Answer 50

The fusion of both western and Japanese artistic elements exemplified by Use of natural pigments, gold leaf, and traditional brushes on silk or paper. Themes often focus on nature, historical subjects, and cultural symbolism, emphasizing harmony and subtle gradations. Minimalism and refined aesthetics rooted in Japanese traditions.

Question 51

What are some of the stylistic characters and subject matters of Japanese avant-garde printmaking in the early twentieth century?

Question 52

What is the meaning of “Japonisme”?

Answer 52

A term referring to the influence of Japanese aesthetics in art including flat plans, bold colors, and nature themes.