OSHER 112 - Arts, Crafts and Culture of Japan

"Mingei " or "art of the people, " refers to objects produced by craftspeople for everyday use. We will explore mingei and the historical context in which Japanese art exists: culture, society, and politics; the arts of traditional Buddhism; the created landscape in painting and garden design; historical narratives and scenes of ordinary life; and decorative and useful household objects such as ceramics, basketry, lacquer, textiles and even toys. Learn how the unique mingei tradition develops and changes through the ages and how this tradition interacts with other traditions of art.