Bailey, Scott J., author2017-02-142017-02-141997http://hdl.handle.net/10217/179715Art history research paper.1997 Spring.Obtaining an understanding of the main components of the Japanese insight into beauty requires not only a grasp of the formal visual elements of the style, but also an understanding of the aesthetic as it pervaded every aspect of life in Japan. Much has been written about the intimate relationship between crafts such as pottery and spiritual life under the influence of Zen, but in screens we have examples of a Japanese art form which blend characteristics of the flat, painted image with those of objects of utility. During the Momoyama and Edo eras of the 17th and 18th centuries came new advances in the Japanese style of painting, primarily due to the artists Sōtatsu and Kōrin, now referred to as "The Great Decorators." This paper traces the traditional Japanese aesthetic from its Eastern religious and philosophical background to its expression in the screen paintings of the Sotatsu-Korin School Connections to the activities of the Japanese way of life of the period and the specific vocabulary used to discuss art of all varieties in Japan help to illuminate key concepts such as irregularity, simplicity, intuition, decoration, pattern, and utility. All of these are intimately related to the Buddhist and Zen procedures for living an artful and natural life and all seek to provide a harmonious blend between the artificial and the natural.Student worksengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.Sōtatsu-Kōrin SchoolTawaraya, Sōtatsu, active 1600-1640Ogata, Kōrin, 1658-1716Art -- HistoryDecorative arts -- JapanPainting -- JapanScreen painting, JapaneseBuddhism and artZen artText