Week 2- Japan/Japanisme

 This week in History of Interiors II we learned about Japan/Japanisme.  

This style began centuries ago in Japan, who had easy contact with other Asian countries, but cut themselves off from trading for 200 years from Europe to strengthen their own identity and traditions. Due to this, Japan has been most influenced by China but still has distinct differences. Japanese style is more impromptu and off centered, enjoying serendipity and even change, treasuring variation with imperfection!  

Japanese design may appear plain, using natural materials, and an amazing attention to detail. Designs often have a connection to their three main religions- Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shintoism. Gardens are often designed for spiritual enlightenment emphasizing simplicity, self-discipline, meditation, and even manual labor.  

Japan is a group of islands, there are many mountains and volcanoes that shape the landscape. Additionally, they are affected by being so close to the ocean, creating a beautiful view, but resulting in earthquakes, meaning wooden structures are often safer (and used abundantly in the area).  

Due to wood being such a flexible material, meaning there are so many options made available, they create simplistic multipurpose elements and structures built. Moveable panels are often used, being made from wood, paster, or rice paper, with fills the walls supported by rows of columns. Framing is often orthogonal, and graceful curves are used in column outlines, rafters, and roof brackets. The buildings are made up of bays, which are always an odd number. Amado are exterior shutters to protect the shogi, which are sliding panels used as exterior doors or windows. Fusuma are interior panels to create division made of more delicate paper, silk, or decoratively painted.  

Tatami floor mats are made of rice straw or vinyl flooring, which cover the floor and shape rooms. Tokonoma display niches for items such as artwork, flowers, or scrolls. Furniture is more limited in this style than others we have studied, with an emphasis on the floor, the furniture is often moveable and flexible. Enza are round cushions made of rice straw, zabuton are square padded cushions, while Sashiko are decoratively stitched. Furniture, such as the Japanese Folding Chair were eventually used. And storage of course is needed, such as the Kurodana which was a freestanding shelf with closed storage. Kaidan Tansu is a stairway chest, while Ishu Dansu is a clothes chest.  
(Japanese Folding Chair) (Modern Day Application)

Beds were not a priority, some using futons, which were thin mattresses to be rolled away, with quilts and pillows. Tables, of course, were essential for school, work, eating, and ceremonies. Lighting was minimal, only using lamps, due to natural daylight penetrating the screens.  

Ikebana is defined as living flowers, meaning flower arranging, which is one of the treasured Decorative Arts. Imari is fine porcelain, as ceramics is another important art important for the tea ceremony. Additionally, textiles used in screens, scrolls, cushions, clothes, etc. are key to daily life and important ceremonies.  

Once trade finally opened back up the term Japonisme erupted with European art being influenced by Japan with a focus on nature (as highly noticed in the Arts and Crafts movement). Anglo-Japanese Furniture was a result was inspired by Japanese furniture but was the interpretation by the British. Mary Cassatt was an American Artist inspired by Kitagawa Utamaro. The list of these artists is many, including Edward Godwin who was both an artist and a designer.  

(Kitagawa Utamaro- 1801) (Mary Cassatt- 1893)

A man by the name of Noah Conder was an English Architect who upon arriving in Japan, later became known as the father of modern Japanese Architecture. Another very well-known architect, by the name of Frank Lloyd Wright also had a project built in Japan, the Imperial Hotel. He referenced historic Japanese architecture while using a mix of materials such as concrete and brickwork. Frank Lloyd Wright, being an American, built most of his designs in the USA. Being known for his Prairie Style homes, many of which are in the Chicago area. With brick or stucco on the outside he created strong geometries, and wood interiors be created open asymmetric floor plans to connect to the outdoors.  

 

(Imperial Hotel- Frank Lloyd Wright) (Modern Day Application- O'Hare Airport)

One Step Further:  

Takashi Yanai is a Japanese American Architect, who is is a Partner at Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects and has been Residential Design Director since 2004. He works to incorporate traditional Japanese elements into more modern designs. One Japanese concept that he hones is “Komorebi” meaning the artful interplay of light filtering through leaves. Having an interest in photography has also helped to shape his viewpoint within a space to better show how someone experiences a space, helping him to figure out the best layout, composition, and materials.  

https://houses.eyrc.com/blog/takashi-yanai-interview

https://designbayarea.org/october-27-takashi-yanai-zahid-sardar-in-conversation-komorebi-japanese-cultures-imprint-on-modernist-architecture/