Edo
Period (1615-1868)
The Tokugawa Shogunate
gained control of the government in 1603 and established a new capital at Yedo
(Tokyo). The Nijo-jo Castle, dating from
1626 was built by the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Whilst Edo continued to be the capital of Japan, Kyoto remained as the
home of the Imperial Court. This lavish
and extensive build was a symbolic reminder of the Emperor’s demise. One of the
most significant features of this era was the shogun’s repressive policies
which included strict codes of behaviour affecting every aspect of life. However, stable government and new economic
patterns meant art was available to all classes especially craftsmen and
tradesmen. Art began to break free of
its constraints and artisans, supported by an increasingly wealthy merchant
class, branched out and experimented.
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| Traditional Farmhouses near Takayama |
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Classic Timber Townhouses,
Pontocho District, Kyoto |
The appeal of and need for art by the masses saw the woodblock invented. Although introduced from China in the 8
century, printmaking came to fore as demand for less expensive illustrated
books, copies of famous paintings, religious pictures and shrine souvenirs increased
(for example, prints of Buddha). A famous name connected with colour prints,
paintings and drawings was Hokusai (1760-1849).
A master of composition, his most famous print series was “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji”. A
very energetic and versatile artist, he was known as “the old man mad on
drawing” and left a legacy of thousands of prints and drawings. Scenes of the
“floating world” and kabuki actors were popular with westerners.
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| Modern Day Maiko |
The Gion District of old Kyoto was
initially developed to provide for the needs of travellers and visitors to the,
even then, historic city and its shrines.
It became one of Japan’s most exclusive Geisha districts and is now an
important repository of kyo-machiya, or traditional
timber townhouses.
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| Fabulous Design, everywhere... |
