Abstract:

Journey through the mysterious Land of the Rising Sun through the fascinating and glamorous art and architecture of Japan. Learn about the creation myth, the Goddess of the Sun Amaterasu and other intriguing nature spirits of wind and earth and the astounding influence of Mt. Fuji. Explore the romantic, guilded age of pleasure with Fujiwara elegance and hade lacquer, the poetic age and eventual shift to a military stronghold. See how the art of shibui is shown in Zen Buddhist temples in sharp contrast to the glamorous paintings of Momoyama and Edo arts. Examine the effects of the forced opening of Japan by the American Commodore Perry and how that changed the history of the world! A fascinating glimpse at an alluring culture.