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Who Was Rengetsu? Understanding the Art and Calligraphy of the Buddhist Nun Rengetsu

Rengetsu (1791–1875) was a Japanese Buddhist nun, waka poet, and ceramicist active in the late Edo and early Meiji periods. She i…

What Is Zenga? Understanding Japanese Zen Painting and Calligraphy

Zenga is ink painting and calligraphy made by Zen monks and practitioners, usually as a direct expression of Zen practice rather …

What Is Zen in Japanese Art? Understanding Zenga, Calligraphy, and Tea Ceramics

Zen in Japanese art refers to two connected things: the religious tradition of Zen Buddhism and the visual culture it produced, e…

What Is Literati Art? Understanding the Literati Tradition in Japanese Painting

Literati art in Japan refers to painting and calligraphy made in the tradition of the Chinese scholar-amateur (bunjin), known in …

What Is Nanga? A Guide to Japanese Literati Painting

Nanga (also called bunjinga, "literati painting") is the Japanese school of painting that grew out of the Chinese wenrenhua ideal…