Japonisme

Japonisme

Many of the Japanese artists were studying Western style realism in which it was influenced by Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, porcelain, textiles, lacquer and architecture. These were creating Japonisme. Japanese parts reopened to trade with the West in 1853. Paris Exposition 1867 introduced Japanese arts and crafts culture to the West.

The word, "Japonisme" is a french term that was used by Jules Claretie in his book L’Art Francais en 1872. In the 1860's Ukiyo-e and Japanese woodblocks, became really popular and were an inspiration for the Impressionists such as Monet, Degas, Gaugin and Van Gogh. Van Gogh was really inspired from the Japanese woodcuts.

The Japanse-inspired work by Vincent Van Gogh, Almond Blossom, 1890. Oil on canvas, 73.5 x 92cm, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

This painting above is an inspiration from the Japanese work by Van Gogh. As one can see it has a similarity to the Japanese paintings from its style. It is clearly shown that it was inspired from the Japanese paintings. The influence of Japonaiserie is still shown in his later works that reflect the Japanese culture. The use of colour shows that he was definately inspired from the Japanese.

"I envy the Japanese artists for the incredible neat clarity which all their works have. It is never boring and you never get the impression that they work in a hurry. It is as simple as breathing; they draw a figure with a couple of strokes with such an unfailing easiness as if it were as easy as buttoning one's waist-coat."

Bibliography:

British Museum - Japonisme . 2013. British Museum - Japonisme . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/articles/j/japonisme.aspx. [Accessed 26 March 2013].
 Lectures notes

Japonisme, Japonaiserie, Japanese Influence on Van Gogh . 2013. Japonisme, Japonaiserie, Japanese Influence on Van Gogh . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.vangoghgallery.com/influences/japonisme.html. [Accessed 27 March 2013].
 Inspiring the Impressionists | Arts & Collections International. 2013. Inspiring the Impressionists | Arts & Collections International. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.artsandcollections.com/index.php?/article/inspiring_the_impressionists_2029/. [Accessed 27 March 2013].