Cultures of Japan (Spring term) (ARTH 03)

  • Day and time: Tuesday 15:45 - 16:45
    Weekly
  • Length of course: 1 term. Spring (9 Weeks)
  • Number of places: 20
  • Start date: 21 January 2025
  • Description:

    The course covers several - but far from all - aspects of Japanese art and culture. I plan to discuss - with the use of many illustrative images and objects: 1: Heian Period Culture: Calligraphy; 'The Tale of Genji'; 2: Dress: Kimono, Obi and Accessories; 3: Ceramics, Cloisonné and Lacquer; 4: Inro and Netsuke; 5: Samurai Arts; 6: Painting and Woodblock Prints; 7: Theatre: Noh, Kyogen, Kabuki, Bunraku; 8: Gardens and Ikebana (Flower Arrangement); 9: Tea and Saké. The aim of the course is to introduce these various aspects of Japanese culture to those who are interested, leading perhaps to a broader understanding of Japanese aesthetics. Our cultures first encountered one another more than four centuries ago and the course will explore the arts of Japan through their reception in the West. I hope those who attend will enjoy the continuing conversation.

  • Format: Lecture/seminar

  • Tutor: Paul Hartle
  • I am fascinated by Japan, and spent two semesters teaching Shakespeare in Kyoto. I have published articles on 17th-century Britain and Japan and continue to struggle to learn Japanese.


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