The arrival of the Zen Buddhism in Japan had significant influence in art and culture and the influence extended into diverse spiritual and aesthetic foundations. Most of the Japanese artistic forms like the chado (tea ceremony), shodo (calligraphy) and also ikebana (flower arrangement) depict the unique philosophy of Zen as their main focus is on calmness, self-growth and simplicity.
The different forms of Japanese art focus on the need to maintain the unity between mind and body that is considered vital in mastering the different forms of art. The attitude enhances the ability of the artist be aware of the illusory nature of most aspects of material life. It demonstrates that from inception, most of the Japanese art is based on Zen Buddhism principles that embrace humility. Also Zen appreciates the need for moderation, naturalness, rusticity and imperfection. This aesthetic concept is clearly manifested through ‘Wabi-sabi’. The concept emphasizes that most things including artistic expressions should demonstrate impermanence and absence of self. They are also intrinsic to nature and, therefore, there is the need to demonstrate acceptance. Through appreciating impermanence, artistic expressions demonstrate wear and tear that comes with age and recognizes recognition that an object changes as it gets used.
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There are also extravagance that is manifested in Japanese art through the artistic expressions through decorations of buildings such as the Kinkaku-Ji and Ginkaku-Ji. The use of expensive artistic forms of gold and silver on the walls of these iconic buildings demonstrates extravagance and opulence of Japanese art. The use of high-value materials like gold in the decoration of such buildings is a sign of patronage and preservation of past historical landmarks.The interior designs of the buildings like the gold linings of theKinkaku-Ji are meant to preserve the historical relevance of the building.
The purpose for the buildings were similar as they were mean to be retirement homes for the owners and offer a place where they could worship Buddha. Both buildings display wonderful elegance enhanced by the surrounding green landscapes and ponds depicting a serene and quiet environment. The beautifications of the Golden pavilion using gold and other expensive metals that were demonstrations of wealth and power. However, despite the similarities the architectural styles used are different. Kinkaku-Ji demonstrates the use of the Shinden-Zukuri style, the Ginkaku-Ji demonstrates the use of Shoin style.
Also, both buildings are placed in serene environments away from the crowded and congested areas where most of the local people lived. The location demonstrates the preference for calmness by the owners. Also, both buildings i.e. the Kinkaku-Ji and Ginkaku-Ji are also of religious significance as each of them became a Zen temple after the original owners failed to complete them.
One of the areas where the humility of Japanese art is evident is in the tea ceremonies. During these ceremonies, the diners used unpolished tea utensils that were also lightly decorated. It demonstrates an abandonment by Japanese culture and art of the previous aristocratic and exclusive nature of Japanese art to embrace simplicity and humility. Also, the Dojinsai in Ginkaku-Jiwhere most of the tea ceremonies were held had simple layout that was later adopted as the main format for the tea ceremonies.
Also, the ‘Wabi-sabi’ Tea houses depicted preference for down-to-earth lifestyles, transience and simplicity. There are also preferences for undecorated earth tones and irregularly shaped ceramic products that were used during the tea ceremony. The ‘Wabi-sabi’ tea houses depict the need for calmness to enhance the value of the tea ceremony in playing its role as an escape from power and conflict.
Also, the utensils used in the tea ceremony were irregular in shape depicting the preference for asymmetry rather than symmetry. They demonstrate the trend in the Japanese art where emphasis is given to maintaining or keeping only what is necessary and appreciating that simplicity does not take away natural beauty.
It demonstrates that most of the Japanese art demonstrating extravagance were done as a show of prestige and maintaining the historical aspects of such works. For instance, the beautification of the Golden pavilion with gold aimed at depicting the power and opulence of the leadership at that time. However, the emergence of the teachings of Zen Buddhism that focused on simplicity and imperfection led to a change in most of the practices and works of art. For instance, the modeling of the bowls and other equipment used during the tea ceremonies demonstrated works of simplicity and appreciation of the impermanent nature of such products and life in general.
Most of the bowls did not have elaborate decorations. It showed that most of the artistic works were influenced by the teachings of Zen Buddhism, especially its focus on simplistic ways of life and appreciation of the natural. It further demonstrates recognition of the need for self-growth and development towards perfection.
