The Meaning of Western Perspective in Edo Popular Culture

Illustrations to accompany the article "TheMeaning of Western Perspective in EdoPopular Culture," by Timon Screech

Moronobu, Scenes in the YoshiwaraTokugara Period, 17 th centuryUkiyo-e (Pictures of the Floating World)(example of traditional Japanese Perspective)

"The Coopers," Painting, oil on silk,18 ¾ x 23 ⅝"Pictures by Shiba Kokan (1747-1818)(see Screech, p. 410)

Etchings by Shiba Kokan (1747-1818)(see Screech, p. 410)"Ryogoku Bridge in Edo,"copperplate etching, 10 ¾ x 16 ⅛""View of Mimeguri in Edo," Copperplateetching, 11 ⅛ x 15 ⅞"

Masanobu, Perspective Studies(see Screech, p. 411)Interior of Pleasure-housein the YoshiwaraKabuki Theater

Masanobu, Perspective Studies(see Screech, p. 411, 413)European "veduta" picture

"Veduta Prints"(see Screech, pp. 413, ff)Church of Sant'Ignazio in Rome,by a Flemish Artist, late 17 th century(pen and ink wash drawing)Edo under Full Moon, by Hiroshige,woodblock print, late 18 th century

Kibyoshi Manga (comic books)(see Screech, p. 413)(with translated texts replacingthe Japanese)

Nozoki-e (peeping pictures) with apparatus(see Screech, pp. 414, ff)Zograscope

Nozoki-e

Two Views of Mitsui Shop in Suruga, Edo(see Screech, p. 419)Hokusai, from "36 Views of Mt. Fuji"Hiroshige, from "100 Viewsof Edo"

"Reality" in Western Perspective (not?)(see Screech, p. 420)Hiroshige, from "100 Viewsof Edo"Hokusai, view from Nihonbashi,from "36 Views of Mt. Fuji"

Suplementary images:The Sanshusangendo (33-bay Hall) in Kyotoby Maruyama Okyo

Supplementary images: space in traditional (Yamato-e)and Western-style (Uki-e) imagesTale of Genji (12 th cent.) vs Maruyama Okyo (17 th cent.)

"Talking Points" for Screech's ArticleImportant terms:• uki-e• nozoki-e• vues d'optique• megane-e• veduta scenesImportant issues:• Perspective as invention rather than discovery• Western perspective used mostly for 'low-grade products' (e.g.woodblock prints rather than paintings)• Why the Japanese did not think of perspective pictures as 'art'• The relationship between perspective and 'reality'