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Culture
Japan has a multi-faceted culture that has evolved through the centuries, starting from the prehistoric period of thousands of years ago up to
the present modern era that has welcomed some outsider influences, such as from its neighbouring Asian countries, the Americas, and Europe.
Arts
Composed of a wide array of media and styles, Japanese art is a rich and vibrant aspect of the Japanese culture.
Calligraphy
This is a traditional writing style that features smooth, flowing brush strokes to produce text, such as stories, poems, phrases or just one
character. It utilises special types of brushes, inksticks, inkstones and Mulberry paper.
Painting
Painting is one of the oldest and most highly regarded art forms in Japan. Its origins trace back to ancient times, with geometric, botanical, and
other designs having been discovered on unearthed stones and graves dating back to the Jomon and Yayoi Periods.
Through the centuries, other painting styles have also flourished, including religious murals and panels, ink paintings, indigenous art, and
European-influenced pieces.
Sculpture
The art of Japanese sculpting began in primitive times, when clay was used to make earthenware pottery that was shaped into animals, people,
deities and other beings.
When Buddhism was introduced to the country, large statues made of bronze and other metals became common at temples. Examples include
Todai-ji Temple’s Nio Guardian and Horyuji’s Kongorikishi Guardian Deity.
Today, contemporary sculpture uses a combination of wood, paper, bamboo and other materials.
Ikebana
Also called “kado”, which means “the way of flowers”, ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arrangement. It is an art form that requires discipline
in the creation of a display that exudes a seamless joining of humanity and nature.
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