Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

Ashmolean − Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

Room 36 | Japan from 1850 gallery

Explore the major technical and creative developments in arts and crafts of Japan after 1850 and visit the Ashmolean's tea house.

Japan from 1850 gallery

Introduction

Japanese Spirit, Western Technology

Great changes took place in Japan during the Meiji era (1868-1912), following the opening up of the country to the West after 250 years of national isolation.

Many Japanese artists began to use new Western techniques and styles alongside existing Japanese and Chinese traditions. This art supplied a growing export trade and became a source of fascination in the West. Japanese art had a major impact on Western artists such as Monet, Van Gogh and Degas.

Despite the changes, many customs and practices within Japanese society remained much as before. In this gallery, you can also see two aspects of traditional culture that continue to play an important role in Japan to this day: Buddhism and the tea ceremony.

Japan from 1850 gallery Meiji Era case from right. © Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford Japan from 1850 gallery Meiji Era case from right.   Japan from 1850 gallery Meiji Era case from left. © Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford Japan from 1850 gallery Meiji Era case from left.
Notice

Objects may have since been removed or replaced from a gallery. Click into an individual object record to confirm whether or not an object is currently on display. Our object location data is usually updated on a monthly basis, so contact the Jameel Study Centre if you are planning to visit the museum to see a particular Eastern Art object.

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