Paintings

This scene from Tale of Genji is meant to depict the torment and tension between two lover, genji and Lady Akashi, who were unable to meet. This painting resemble a war scene. Showing male masculinity through the portrayal of male riding on horses with bows and arrows. The artist's intention and the actual painting paint a very aggressive representation of love. It’s as if love is like war. Something that’s obtainable through conquest and violence. It’s all male figures, representing the gender dynamic in the relationship. It the man who’s strong and fierce. It’s the man who have the upperhand in the relationship while women are the one waiting to be conquered. This idea of the relationship between a man and woman reinforced the belief that it’s the man who’s the head of the household and in control while the women are one waiting at home. Additionally, social class can be seen through the distinction in their clothing as well as their position in the painting. Obviously, Genji is the protagonist distinguished by his bright green robe. Other men are position around Genji from all angle. Men in white robe are presumably at the lowest position among other due to their position in relation to other, they are at ground level instead of being on horses. And as we o higher, the men on horses, excluding Genji, is one level higher on the social hierarchy. Therefore, not only the bodily position but also the color of a person clothing that tells about a person’s social role. So, a person place in society is not based on one but numerous factors. Additionally, the adoration of horses with colorful and seemingly luxurious decoration/robe may also be a way of displaying one’s status in society. Because if you can afford luxurious material for just for a horse, you must be really well-off.

This painting depicts the Chinese court life of palace beauties. The women are depicted as delicate, relaxed and calm. The palace beauties are surrounded by nature, and one woman is even seen holding bluebird in her hands. This can be seen as showing how women in the higher class have an easier, more simple and laid back life than a more lower class woman. They are enjoying themselves in the courtyard of the palace with no stress or worry, rather than taking care of the household and children. They are surrounded by the architecture of the palace, a Taihu rock, cherry blossom, pear trees and roses. The stark contrast between the lifestyle of upper-class women compared to the women in Edo is very different, showing no struggle or distress. Additionally, not all women in the painting is of the same status. Obviously, the two women who are sitting down are a high class court woman, distinguished by the detailed of their robe compared to the plain while clothing of those surrounding them. The two elite woman are poised while watching the scenery, suggesting that women are expecting to act modest and carry themselves based on their class. Additionally, aside from the elite women in the painting, social distinction between the servant (in white robe) is portrays. The two woman on the right are busy with serving the elite women while the woman standing behind is just watching the scenery. This placed the importance of seniority. Although this painting doesn’t represent Japan court life, their court life couldn’t have been all that different due to the interaction that existed between Japan and China. Plus, this was painted during the Momoyama period in Japan, suggesting an interest in Chinese lifestyle. So, court-life in China and Japan may have bare similarities. The formation of social structure is also influenced by interacting with other countries. It’s not something that happen out of the blue, as Japan was once a nomadic society during the Jōmon period.

This contemporary twentieth century painting is completely differently than earlier works of art. This change isn’t surprising due to Westernization during Meiji period, as Japan was dramatically influenced by Western fine art. This painting which include two Japanese women is unrecognizable at first, for their clothings, complexion and face structure is very Western. Their clothing is very nice and based off of western style. Western style clothing of this quality was not cheap to come by, so owning just one western style dress already put you into a class higher than the majority of others in Japan, since you had the money available to buy the dress. Also, the jewelry that the women are wearing also tells the viewer that these women are not just ordinary or low class women. Jewelry was expensive, and a luxury that only the rich and elite could afford to have. This means that for that the women in this painting would have to be from a rich and elite family. Plus, this engagement in leisure/lavish activity is one of the West. If these women are able to take the time to sail for pleasure instead of staying home to cook and clean, that means that they are able to afford to have someone cook and clean in their place. This painting is also representing a time where women were able to get jobs to help support their families, but mainly in the entertainment business like dancing and playing music. This also confirms that these two women are from a wealthy family, since they are able to go out and sail for pleasure, instead of spending the day working like women of the lower class had to do in order to help support their family. Nonetheless, it’s represent the wealthy elite class of society, as lower class have no time or resource to do this kind of thing. The women are very composed and modest (by their clothing), representing the ideal role of womanhood.