Library of Congress
Loc: The Floating World of Ukiyo E
An exhibition review on the Japanese art form Ukiyo-e. Very nice images and history of this art form with an interpretation of an historical link of Japan and the Western world.
PBS
Pbs: Japan Memoirs of a Secret Empire
A rich site that tells of an ancient kingdom of warriors, tradesmen and artists that would influence the modern world.
ArtLex
Art Lex: History of Japanese Art
A very general survey of the history of Japanese art. Click on any of the time periods to learn more specific information about each one. Includes several examples; click on the title of each work to enlarge the image and to learn more.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: The Steamship Powhatan
The picture shown in this essay is part of the Black Ship Scroll which depicts two of the nine American ships that arrived in Japan under Commodore Matthew Perry in 1854: U.S.S. Powhatan and U.S.S. Supply. Read the history of the U.S.S...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: The Evolution of Ukiyo E and Woodblock Prints
Ukiyo-e began as hand-painted scrolls and screens of everyday life in Japan. They became so popular, they were mass-produced using carved wooden blocks. Read the evolution of this artform and view pictures in this essay.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Utagawa Kunisada I, Visiting Komachi
"Visiting Komachi" by Utagawa Kunisada I is one of the images in the series "Modern Beauties as the Seven Komachi". Each scene in Kunisada's "Seven Komachi" series relates a story or anecdote associated with Komachi's life. View pictures...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: The Floating World of Edo Japan
During Japan's Edo period (1615-1868) the phrase "the floating world" (ukiyo) evoked an imagined universe of wit, stylishness, and extravagance -- with overtones of naughtiness, hedonism, and transgression. Implicit was a contrast to the...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Scenes From the Tale of Genji
This pair of screens illustrates scenes from four chapters of Japan's classic literary work, "The Tale of Genji", written by Murasaki Shikibu in around the tenth-eleventh centuries. View pictures of these scenes and read a description of...
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Edo
"Edo" is the name that the people of the Benin Kingdom give to themselves, their language, and their capital city and kingdom. Renowned for their art of brass and ivory and for their complex political organization, the Edo Kingdom of...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: An Introduction to Kabuki Theater
Kabuki was one of the three most popular dramatic forms of Japan during the Edo period and continues to flourish today. Read about these lively plays in this essay.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Archery Practice
This painting depicts one of several forms of archery practice formalized as early as the Kamakura period (1185-1333), this activity trained warriors to shoot accurately at moving targets while riding at a full gallop. View this picture...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Arrival of a Portuguese Ship
"Arrival of a Portuguese Ship" portrays the arrival of a Portuguese ship at the port of Nagasaki. View this picture and a read short explanation of the trade relationship between Portugal and Japan.
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Khan Academy: Dog Chasing
The painting "Dog Chasing" depicts the activity of dog chasing which was one of three archery drills popular during the Edo period. View the picture and read a description in this essay.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Fire Procession Costume
Firemen were important people in Edo society. View pictures of their "costumes" and read why they were held in such high regard in this essay.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Matchlock Gun and Pistol
Owning a pistol was a symbol of a samurai's power, rank, and wealth in Edo, Japan. They were often decorated with the samurai's family crest. View pictures and read descriptions of these weapons.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Military Camp Jacket
The military camp jacket in Japan not only offered protection from the elements but were also personalized fashion statements. Each jacket showed the wearer's status, clan affiliations, and wealth. View pictures of these jackets and read...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Military Leader's Fan
Objects used by military leaders in Edo, Japan were often an insignia of the owner's rank. This military fan had multiple uses and was decorated to show the military power of the owner. View a picture of this fan and read a description...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Tea Bowl With Dragon Roundels
This tea bowl made by Nonomura Ninsei was used for a tea ceremony in Japan. View pictures of the bowl and read a short description.
Other
The Web Kanzaki: Chronology of Japan's Fine Arts
A timeline from The Web Kanzaki of the historical movements in the development of Japanese fine art. Very general information.