In early modern Japan, cultural salons were creative hubs where individuals of all ages and social standings engaged in painting, poetry, and other artistic pursuits as serious, yet amateur, practitioners. Adopting pen or art names allowed people to socialize and interact freely, transcending the rigid social hierarchy enforced by the shogunal government. Communal and collaborative creativity flourished, particularly in Kyoto and Osaka. Each city had its unique character: Kyoto, the national capital, housed the emperor and aristocrats, while Osaka was a bustling commercial center.

A significant portion of these technically sophisticated artworks has rarely been published in colour. Featuring five essays by leading experts that explore this cultural phenomenon from various perspectives, along with eight shorter insights into specific historical aspects and the personal connections and legacies of cultural figures, this book provides a fresh perspective on Japanese art and society in the late 18th and 19th centuries.

Hardback
256 pages

250 x 250mm Diameter