Weekend Stories
I enjoy going exploring on weekends (mostly). Here is a collection of stories and photos I gather along the way. All posts are CC BY-NC-SA licensed unless otherwise stated. Feel free to share, remix, and adapt the content as long as you give appropriate credit and distribute your contributions under the same license.
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Kitagawa Utamaro: Master of bijin-ga
In the previous post, we briefly explored the world of ukiyo-e. To further tribute to this art form and delve deeper into its history, I thought we could shortly study the biographies and styles of some of the most celebrated artists of the genre. Today, we will start with Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806), one of the most celebrated ukiyo-e artists, known for his exquisite portraits of beautiful women (bijin-ga).
Ukiyo-e artists and schools
I put together a list of ukiyo-e artists and schools. I’ve tried to keep the list as complete as possible, but there are so many artists and schools that it’s hard to cover them all. Whenever I find out about a new artist or school, I’ll add it to the list. I hope you find it helpful.
Ukiyo-e: Pictures of the floating world
Ukiyo-e (浮世絵) is a genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th to the 19th century. The term ‘ukiyo-e’ translates to ‘pictures of the floating world’, capturing scenes of urban life, landscapes, and folklore. This art form is renowned for its woodblock prints and paintings, which have significantly influenced the Japanese art scene as well as global art movements, particularly Impressionism. In this post, I’d like to share some of my favorite ukiyo-e prints, as well as a brief overview of the art form’s history and cultural significance.
Byōbu – The art of Japanese folding screens
The tradition of kakemono and emakimono is closely related to other forms of Japanese narrative art, such as byōbu (屏風) and fusuma (襖). Byōbu are folding screens that feature painted scenes, often with narrative elements, while fusuma are sliding doors that can be decorated with paintings or calligraphy. Together, these art forms create a rich visual narrative expression in Japanese culture, reflecting the interconnectedness of art, literature, and daily life. Here are some shots of the most remarkable examples of byōbu that I was able to collect during my recent visits to various museums and exhibitions.
Emakimono: The art of Japanese handscrolls
Emakimono, or Japanese handscrolls, are a captivating form of narrative art that emerged during the Heian period (794-1185 CE). These exquisite scrolls combine text and pictures to tell stories, document courtly life, or illustrate poetic themes. The format allows for sequential viewing, where the story unfolds as the scroll is gradually unrolled from right to left, offering a unique and intimate artistic experience. In this post, we explore the history, techniques, and cultural significance of emakimono in Japanese art and literature.
Kakemono: The art of Japanese hanging scrolls
Kakemono, or Japanese hanging scrolls, are a prominent feature in the traditional Japanese art landscape. These scrolls are designed to be displayed vertically and are often used to adorn the alcoves of Japanese homes, particularly in settings like the tea ceremony. The art of kakemono centers around the aesthetics of simplicity and seasonal change, making it a dynamic element of Japanese decor. In this post, we briefly explore the history and significance of kakemono in Japanese art and culture.
Exploring Buddhist and East Asian art in Cologne
Cologne, a city rich in Christian history and culture, also offers a unique opportunity for enthusiasts of Buddhist and East Asian art. The city is home to two remarkable institutions: the Museum of East Asian Art and the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum. Here some of my favorite pieces from both museums.
On the Hellenistic heritage in Christian culture and Buddhist art
My recent museum visits and studies have revealed that the perceived differences between various cultures and historical periods are not as pronounced as I once believed. Contrary to the simplified narratives taught in school, the Greco-Roman heritage did not vanish after the fall of the Roman Empire but transformed and adapted into new cultural contexts. This influence extended beyond the Christian culture of the Middle Ages to include the Buddhist art of the Gandhara style. In this post, I will summarize my findings and share my thoughts on this topic.
Lares and the evolution of household deities in Europe
During my visit to the Roman-Germanic Museum in Cologne, I stumbled upon intriguing small deity figures, which piqued my curiosity. Upon further research, I discovered they were representations of Roman Lares, ancient household deities. This discovery led me to draw some parallels with later religious practices, including those found in Eastern traditions.
Cologne’s history through a magnifying glass: The city museum
After a long time of closure, the Cologne City Museum reopened its doors in March 2024. The museum, which is now temporarily housed in the former Franz Sauer fashion house, has a large collection of around 350,000 objects spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day. The exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including paintings, graphics, militaria, coins, textiles, furniture, and everyday objects. The museum’s current concept focuses on showcasing a small selection of objects that are presented in an emotional context, offering a unique perspective on societal and historical issues. In my opinion, in this way the museum actually serves as a lens through which visitors can explore the history of 2000-year-old Cologne.