Japan and Japanisme

The key objectives of understand the phenomenon of Japanese architecture and interior design is to understand the history, the influence Chinese brought to the Japanese, materials and decor used to build Japanese culture, and how it evolved over time based on the influence of architects and keeping up with modern designs. 

EVOLUTION OF JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR

A long list of concepts, including rice cultivation, writing, Buddhism, temple architecture, clothing, art, literature, and music were transmitted to Japan by China, the much older and more developed country. So naturally, the Japanese gained insight and were influenced by Chinese architecture and interior design. Chinese architecture began during 1600 BC and it was not until much later that Japan began to build their own architecture designs. 

While it is important to note that Japan's culture is substantially derived from Tang Dynasty China and gained a lot of ideas from the Chinese, Japan did creating its own architecture designs and focused more on imperfections rather than perfection.

Pictured above is a photo of Chinese Architecture 

Pictured below is a photo of Japanese Architecture

With a quick glance at the photos of the Chinese and Japanese architecture, the buildings can be seen as very similar; however, they have very different characteristics. 

The thing that stands out the most between the two buildings is the material used. In traditional Japanese architecture, wood was chosen over stone or other materials due to the humidity, the probability of earthquakes, and the chance of typhoons since it allowed for sufficient ventilation to battle the climate and was resilient in the face of natural disasters. 

Additionally, seen in the Japanese architecture photo and in majority of other Japanese buildings, they were structured by columns being placed with movable panels in between. Similarities between the two buildings pictured would be the curves in rafters and roof brackets as well as the framing was similar with having either vertical or horizontal columns and panels. Both buildings enforce geometry shapes and symmetrical balance by every structure being proportional to one another. In Japanese architecture, architects focused on odd numbers; implying that a building would have an odd number of bays, also known as level while as in the Chinese buildings, architects focused more on being perfect and having even amounts. 

Japanese architecture and interior spaces was focused more on simplicity, minimalism, and details. Additionally, the interior of homes was designed to complement nature and make a person feel connected to nature even when being in inclosed spaces.

In the photo shown, the room is designed very minimalistic and has an open concept with not too much furniture taking up the space. With the furniture that is placed in the room, it corresponds with the Japanese culture and architecture. The Japanese culture focuses on Zen- which comes from their religion of Buddhism that teaches enlightenment through medication. 

The room design demonstrates Zen by creating balance, harmony, and feelings of relaxation through a minimalist approach. Placing tatmi floor mats on the floor gives an individual a spot to sit around the table to meditate, relax, and conversate with others. 

                                                                                     

                                                                                              Pictured above is an interior space in Japan                                                                                                                                         

The division that separates the interior space from exterior is call a fusuma- a screen like vertical rectangular panel that is typically made out of paper or silk material. Before walking inside a home, people must take off shoes to show etiquette which allowed for floors to stay clean longer.

Japanese architecture has always been about minimalist looks, low furniture, and connecting indoor space with nature. These characteristics have not changed when Japanese architecture switched to a more modern design. 

                                                                                                   Pictured below is a modern home in Japan

Japanese architecture switched to become modern based on keeping up with surrounding countries architecture, materials available, difference in climate, and nature disasters.

 In the picture shown of a Japanese modern home, the home still captivates the idea of a strong structure sounded by nature. Additionally, with the rectangular shapes and colors, it has a modern and simplistic look. A big similarity between ancient homes and the one pictured is the use of wooden material and a panel that is on the second floor. With that said, having that space open, allows for more of a connection with nature inside the home. 

Modern Japanese interior still values the minimalist approach, clean lines, nature materials such as wood, and having neutral colors throughout the space. 

In the picture shown, the space seems like it is used as a place to medicate which is common in Japanese culture as stated early. The interior is designed with a light shade of wood compared to a dark shade that was used in ancient homes. The future can be seen as very minimal with the table low to the ground so an individual or individuals can sit on the carpet around the table. The last thing to note is the very open concept and the glass window that allows a person to fill as if they are connected to outside while still being inside.  

    Pictured above is a modern interior in Japan

JAPANISME ART DECOR 

After reviewing the Arts and Crafts Movements and how it changed the way homes were built, decorated, and furnished; there are similarities between the movement and Japanisme. The artist from the movement, collected and were influenced by Japanese art. Some key concepts of Japanisme to know is Ikebana, ceramics, and textiles. 

Ikebana is the "art of arranging cut flowers for the interior environment." The picture shown demonstrates how flowers were placed and decorated in interior space to allow nature to be inside the home as well as the Japanese way of worshipping Buddha by offering florals. 

While Ikebana was a huge part of traditional Japanese culture, the use of florals is still being taught and used today. There are over 300 "school in Japan dedicated to the art of floral arrangement" which teaches students the different florals, meaning of each, and how to decorate spaces with florals. 

           

                                                    

                                                      Pictured above is a Japanese women decorating her home with Ikebana 

Secondly, ceramics were apart of the Japanese culture in the use of the tea ceremony as well as to have decor placed around the house. With the use of ceramics, pottery such as teacups, cups, plates, bowls, and vases were built. 

Pictured to the left is an ancient Japan vase

The anceint and modern day Japan vases have very similar yet different characteristics. The colors of both vases are very similar while the shape of the ancient vase is more wider, more colors used, and disoriented; while as the modern vase is more complex shape and elegant. Both vases have a thin and long neck to them.

                                                Pictured to the right is a modern Japan vase

Pictured below is traditional Japan textile patterns

Lastly, textiles were important to the Japanese architecture and interior design because the use of textiles decorated screens, scrolls, cushion covers, towels, bedding, clothing, and curtains. While textiles were commonly use in homes, it was also used in temples and shrines for their religion of Buddhism. 

The traditional Japan textiles and modern- day textiles in Japan are very similar with its extravagant patterns and use of colors. 

                           

                             Pictured to the left is modern Japan textile patterns

ONE STEP FURTHER

The most searched and well-known Japanese architect is also a known writer, teacher, and urban planner who goes by the name of Kenzo Tange. Tange became very successful in the architecture field and was the winner of the 1987 Pritzker Architecture Prize. 

Kenzo Tange was an architect during the 20th century and was known for designing modernism building with traditional Japanese architecture characteristics. Living a long life of 92 years, Tange was able to accomplish building famous buildings in five of the seven continents. While Tange was an inspiration to many young architects; he was inspired by a Swiss- French architect, Le Corbusier, who is known for creating important urban development plans which caused Tange to become an urban planner himself. 

                                                                                                         Pictured above is architect, Kenzo Tange

Although Kenzo Tange built his buildings to the Japanese culture as best as he could using modernism, Tange built the St. Mary's Cathedral in Tokyo which was a Christian Church that showed very different beliefs than the traditional Japanese religion- Buddhism. It is important to note that before he built St. Mary's Cathedral, he was not christian but converted to christianity after the church was finished. 

Pictured above is St. Mary's Cathedral in Tokyo

EXTRA SOURCES

History on Japanese Architecture- 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjZsiMJI1Is

Advancements on Japanese Architecture- 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeordAnK2Pw

Quick Video on a Japanese Home- 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr1njcRo1m8