The Human Figure in the Yamato-e Painting Tradition

TITLE: “The Human Figure in the Yamato-e Painting Tradition”

QUESTION: In what ways may Tokugawa period ukiyo-e be regarded as the culmination of the Yamato-e (‘Japanese picture’) tradition, one that began with Heian period emaki such as the Tale of Genji scrolls, but in the following centuries absorbed the influences of Chinese-style monochrome painting from the medieval period before achieving their characteristic features as a synthesis of various historical trends? The main thread of your answer should center on the depiction of the human figure in the Yamato-e tradition.

Your essay must be based on a selection of pictures I have added (in Essay pictures file) . The PDF has 16 numbered “Slides.” Choose no more than 2 pictures from each period (classical, medieval, early modern) for a total of 6 for your discussion (there are 16 pictures total), and be sure to identify which picture you are referring to by slide number. You should compare and contrast the relationship between the elements (their ‘composition’) in the pictures you choose, their use of new or conventional techniques, use of color, degree of abstraction, etc., keeping in mind their historical specificity—their moment in time, and how they relate to the topic: “The Human Figure in Yamato-e Painting Tradition.” In short, what are the pictures trying to say about the people depicted in them and how are they trying to say it?

Your essay should be 800-1000 words in length.