Question 1

How did the Muromachi shogunate function?

Accepted Answer

Ashikaga Takauji gained enough power to establish his clan as the primary force in Japan during the 14th to 16th centuries. The emperor lost all governing power. The imperial family was allowed to maintain the illusion of power, but the shogun was the actual power. The shogunate was principally a military power. The shogun made political and economic arrangements with the other lords of Japan. The shogun had to have superior administrative skills.

Question 2

How does the work Oiran (Grand Courtesan) differ from traditional ukiyo-e works?

Accepted Answer

The artist did not idealize the features of the courtesan in the traditional ukiyo-e manner. He painted her features using the more analytical format of Western portraiture. He created a less sympathetic image.

Question 3

Describe the emergence of the Rimpa School in the Edo period.

Accepted Answer

It was the earliest major alternative school to emerge during the Edo period and was quite different from the Kano School. It did not enjoy the continuity of lineage and training through father to son or master to pupil. Many Rimpa artists focused on literary themes favored by the nobility, and many of the artists also affiliated themselves with the court. This school reflected the cultural power of the court and the literacy trend that was occurring in Edo Japan at this time. Stylistically, Rimpa School works were characterized by vivid color and extensive gold, silver, and decorative patterns.

Question 4

Which of the following artists went to China and studied with Ming masters?

Accepted Answer

A)   Kano Motonobu
B)   Kano Eitoku
C)   Sesshu Toyo
D)   Hasegawa Tohaku

Question 5

During the Muromachi period, which of the following religions flourished alongside the older Buddhist sects?

Accepted Answer

A)   Christianity
B)   Theravada Buddhism
C)   Zen
D)   New World Shinto

Question 6

Describe the style of the Katsura Imperial Villa.

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

Describe the aesthetic principles that were developed around the late 15th century and grew to have importance in the tradition of the tea ceremony and the utensils used.

Accepted Answer

A)   Sabi, value found in the old and weathered, and wabi, value found in refined simplicity
B)   Ming, value found in the technically brilliant, importance of gold
C)   Song, value found in complex design, importance of multiplicity
D)   Chan, value found in rich design, importance of the gleaming

Question 8

The great strength of Japanese art has been its innovation through which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   Experimentation
B)   Individual effort
C)   Adaptation
D)   Market forces

Question 9

How did the Meiji period shape Japanese society for the coming 20th century?

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

Briefly describe the function of a Zen temple.

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

What is the link between ukiyo-e and Buddhism?

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

The Saihoji temple gardens show the continuities and changes in the religious art of the Muromachi period, which combines Pure Land Buddhist and Zen Buddhist traditions. Which of the following describes a characteristic trait of Zen Buddhism?

Accepted Answer

A)   Provided a promise of salvation
B)   Emphasized rigorous discipline and personal responsibility
C)   Provided a promise of redemption
D)   Promoted life experiences through the active engagement within the community

Question 13

Discuss the implications of the Westernization of Japan in the late 19th century. Consider the social and political implications as well. How did this Westernization affect Japanese art during this period? Use examples to support your essay.

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

Identify the style of this ceramic jar.

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Dry landscape or rock gardens became very popular in Japan during which of the following periods?

Accepted Answer

A)   Momoyama
B)   Nara
C)   Edo
D)   Muromachi

Question 16

Explain the influence of Zen on the arts of Japan. Use examples to support your essay.

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

Compare the works of Hasegawa Tohaku and Kano Eitoku. How does each artist reflect his period? Use examples to support your essay.

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

Which painting style is characterized by bold outlines and presentation of objects along the vertical plane of the painting surface?

Accepted Answer

A)   Broken-ink style
B)   Chan style
C)   Kano style
D)   Hideyoshi style

Question 19

How does this work reflect Rimpa School style?

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

What was the favorite exercise of cultivation and refinement in the Momoyama period?

Accepted Answer

A)   Flower arranging
B)   Bird watching
C)   Tea ceremony
D)   Working on dry landscape

Exam 34: Japan, 1336 to 1980