Nihonga: Amazing Japanese Mineral Paintings on Silk!

Share:

Share on facebook
Share on pinterest
Share on twitter
A nihonga painting featuring a robin near a tree.

Japan is famous for its different art styles; one of its most recognizable is nihonga. Whether painted on a screen or a scroll, this art form intrigues visitors and inspires artists worldwide. We invite you to join us as we explore the history and development of nihonga, the different techniques and materials it uses, and some famous nihonga artists. Finally, we’ll tell you where you can see this beautiful artwork for yourselves.

What is nihonga? 

Nihonga refers to traditional Japanese painting instead of Yōga (Western-style painting). However, later nihonga painters subtly incorporated Western techniques, blurring the line between the two. The differences are more evident in the materials artists use. Nihonga was usually painted on silk or washi (Japanese paper), since they were durable and easy to handle.

A nihonga painting of trees in the forest.
HIkarisakazuru Radiance Blessed with Light by Nakano Daisuke. Image via Portland Japanese Garden

Artists also mixed paints with nikawa (glue made from fishbone or animal hide), and applied it with brushes made with animal bristles and water. For monochrome paintings, they used soot-based sumi (ink); for polychrome, they used iwaenogu (mineral pigments), sometimes adding gold and silver leaf or powder. They also employed specific techniques, including bokashi (gradation), sumi-nagashi (ink-floating), and mokkotsu (few or no outlines). 

What is the history behind nihonga?

During the Meiji Period, there was a growing fascination with Western art, with more schools teaching it instead of traditional Japanese painting. American art historian Ernest Fenollosa became enamored with native Japanese art. He and art critic Okakura Tenshin co-founded the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now the Tokyo University of the Arts). In 1898, they and other artists formed the Nihon Bijutsuin (Japan Visual Arts Academy). 

A painting of a wispy mountain in Chichibu.
Holy Peaks of Chichibu at Spring Dawn by Yokoyama Taikan. Image via Karolinko

Nihonga was initially showcased at the Bunten (Fine Arts Exhibition). However, the artists established the Inten and the Kokuten exhibitions due to their political and rigid nature. After World War II, people viewed nihonga as restrictive and nationalistic, and artists also eschewed it for more experimental art forms. As a result, artists revived it in the 1980s and continue to study and create it.

Who are some favorite nihonga artists? 

Hashimoto Gahō (1835-1908)

Hashimoto Gahō is considered the founder of nihonga. He was one of the last artists in the traditional Kanō art school. Another artist, Okakura Tenshin, invited him to teach at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. In 1898, they left to co-found the Nihon Bijutsuin, where Hashimoto taught until his death. Several paintings, including Dragon and tiger, were later designated Important Cultural Properties.

A gold painting of a woman near a tree.
Yoroboshi by Shimomura Kazan. Image via Karolinko

Yokoyama Taikan (1868-1958)

Yokoyama Taikan attended the first graduating class of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and co-founded the Nihon Bijutsuin. He and fellow artist Hishida Shunsō developed mourou-tai (blurred style), which used softer colors and few or no line drawings. Yokoyama later became famous for his ink paintings. His house is now the Yokoyama Taikan Memorial Hall in Taito City, Tokyo.

Uemura Shōen (1875-1949)

Uemura Shōen was famous for her bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women) inspired by ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints) and Noh theater. She had a firm control of negative space and color. Additionally, Uemura was the first woman to receive the Order of Culture and the first to have a painting (Jo-no-mai) designated as an Important Cultural Property. 

Are you interested in enjoying some traditional Japanese snacks? Check out Sakuraco! Sakuraco delivers traditional Japanese snacks, teas, and sweets from local Japanese makers directly to your door so you can enjoy the latest treats directly from Japan!

Where can I see nihonga in Japan?

Narukawa Art Museum

Narukawa Art Museum boasts over 4000 modern nihonga. Besides paintings by famous artists, it also promotes works by lesser-known and emerging painters. The Museum is located in Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa. Open hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. For information about admission and upcoming exhibitions, please visit its website. 

Yamatane Museum of Art

Nihonga makes up most of this museum’s collection. Instead of a permanent exhibition, there are five or six special exhibitions each year. The Yamatane Museum of Art is in Hiroo, Shibuya City, Tokyo. It’s open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day, except Monday after a national holiday and from December 29 to January 2. You can also visit the museum’s website for information about exhibitions and fees. There is a discount for visitors wearing kimonos.

A woman visiting a museum and looking at a painting.
You can see many of these paintings at museums worldwide! Image via Taito Culture Marche

Fukuda Art Museum

Fukuda Art Museum holds 1800 items, including 34 nihonga, focusing on Kyoto artists. It is located in Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, and is open every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, except New Year’s Day. Visitors can also purchase a combined ticket for Fukuda Art Museum and Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts & Culture for 2300 yen ($16 USD) or an annual pass with a year’s free entry to special exhibitions for 5000 yen ($34 USD). Visit the website for a complete list of admission fees. 

Why is nihonga so unique? 

Nihonga retains a traditional Japanese style while also incorporating Western techniques. The paintings both pay homage to the past and welcome more contemporary times. Moreover, their materials, including mineral pigments and silk, set them apart from Western oil paintings on canvas, creating a distinct look.

An elaborate and fantastical nihonga painting featuring dragons, clouds and people.
Paradise of Dragon Palace by Kimura Ryoko. Image Nihongo 100

While more detailed than older Japanese art, nihonga maintains an understated quality using simple techniques. Audiences’ eyes are drawn to the subject without needing to sift through additional “noise.” The paintings perfectly showcase Japan’s rich culture, from natural landscapes to mythological characters. Modern Japanese and international audiences are undoubtedly inspired to study, promote, and preserve nihonga. Do you have a favorite nihonga painting or artist? Tell us in the comments below.

Discover authentic flavors with Sakuraco

Enjoy new Japanese sweets, snacks and tea every month starting from $32.50USD

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Discover authentic flavors with Sakuraco

Enjoy new Japanese sweets, snacks and tea every month starting from $32.50USD

Related Articles

Someone pouring shochu into glass.

Shochu Time: Why Japan Loves This Drink

One of the most well-loved souvenirs people often think of from Japan is sake, a traditional alcoholic beverage. However, there is another type of alcohol that has become so popular in Japan that it now sells more than sake. That drink is shochu. To learn more about this special beverage, keep reading!

A person drumming during an eisa performance.

Okinawa Museums: Dive into Eisa and More

Okinawa Island, located in the southwest of Japan, has crystal-clear beaches and unique local specialties. Let’s look at some inspiring museums that can help you explore and enjoy all these amazing things, starting with the Eisa Museum!

An assortment of summer Japanese vegetables: tomato, eggplant, cucumber, okra.

Japanese Vegetables: Awesome Picks for Hot Days!

People often crave cool foods and drinks to beat the heat in summer. Vegetables are always one of the top ingredients and essential in summer cuisine. This season offers a wide variety of delicious and healthy vegetables. Let’s explore some of the most popular Japanese vegetables in summer dishes!