April 16, 2012
Peonies in Japanese Art
As in China, tree peonies are commonly depicted in traditional Japanese art. In Japan, tree peonies not only represent feminine beauty, but also wealth and nobility of spirit. We have assembled a selection of images demonstrating how the tree peony is used as a common motif across a range of traditional Japanese art forms; from woodblock prints to tattoos.
Woodblock Prints 木版画 moku hanga and other prints
The most famous genre of this art form is ukiyo-e 浮世絵 literally “pictures of the floating world” which began in the 1600s. This sophisticated form of woodblock printing developed in Edo or Tokyo and was patronized by a growing middle class. The style which developed for woodblock prints also spread to other forms of printing including silk screening for fabric and paper.
The following prints come from series Peonies by Tanigami Konan for the Imperial Exhibition of 1917 in Tokyo. Each depicts a famous named tree peony variety of the time. Unfortunately, in the source I found, they are not labeled.
Screens 屏風 Byōbu
This art form, like many others in Japan, originated in China. In the 18th century screens became popular in residences of samurai where they conveyed high rank and demonstrated wealth and power.
Ceramic and Metal Ware
Netsuke 根付
These miniature carvings are often of ivory and originally served as sash fasteners for pouches and containers.
Body Art 入れ墨 Irezumi
For much of Japanese history, tattooing was taboo in Japan, and reserved as a punishment for criminals. However, in 18th century Edo, as Tokyo, was then known, the development of sophisticated woodblock printing techniques paralleled the rise of a tattoo culture. Marginalized members of society favored tattoos as did the Yakuza, or mafia. In the mid-19th century there was again a government crackdown against tattooing of Japanese citizens. It was during this time that Japan began large scale trade with Western powers. Ironically, during this period Japanese tattoo art flourished, the clients being foreign sailors. It was not until after World War Two that tattooing was legalized in Japan. Today it is still viewed as somewhat taboo. The designs used are simplified adaptations of woodblock print .