Blog Two - Japan and Japanisme

 Japan

Japan was first ruled by a series of emperors. In 1542, it began trade with Europe, but by 1638 it completely shut out contact with the outside world for 200 years to strengthen its own identity and traditions. In 1854 it began trade once again and is now one of the most industrialized countries in the world. Japanese design was heavily influenced by China, but still very different. Chinese design focused on formality and axiality whereas Japanese design focused more on impromptu and off-centered. The Chinese were dedicated to their lineage whereas the Japanese invited and enjoyed change. China desired perfection whereas Japan enjoyed variation and even welcomed imperfection.

Japanese Interior Design

Japanese design focuses on plainness, naturalness, and attention to detail. A lot of Japanese detail also had reference to religion; mainly Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shintoinism. Buddhism especially had a large role in most Japanese design. The concept of Zen became a well-known part of Japanese design. Zen Buddhism was thought to provide spiritual enlightenment. Zen gardens became very popular and taking care of one was believed to provide spiritual enlightenment. These gardens consisted of nonflowering plants, grasses, and irregular stepping stones. They also often held Zen tea ceremonies.

Zen Garden

Japanese design was also largely impacted by Japan’s geography. Since Japan is very mountainous, most buildings are built with a view of the mountains. Japan also experiences many earthquakes, which causes them to build using mainly wood and bamboo structures.

Japanese Architecture and Interior Design

Japanese architecture mainly consisted of wood. The main structure was a series of columns with movable panels in between. The framing was orthogonal and the panels were made usually of woodwork or rice paper. Curved designs were added in column outlines and roof brackets. Japanese buildings are also usually made up of an odd number of bays. The elements are very proportional to each other. Exterior walls often include a fusuma which functions as a window or a door. They are commonly made of light wood lattice or translucent paper, which is then covered in a sturdier shudder called an amado.

                                 Japanese Architecture                                      Japanese Fusuma

The floors in Japanese buildings are often made of tatami floor mats. These mats are traditionally made of rice straw but are now usually made of vinyl flooring. Each mat is 3 feet by 6 feet and 2 inches thick. Hierarchy is created in a room by elevating the flooring. The interior design of the space is often less important than the architecture but is rather used to embellish and enhance the room. A tokonoma is a display area that is very significant to the space. They often held flowers, scrolls, or important artwork. The interior of the space also often connects to the outdoors.

Japanese Tokonomas

Japanese Furniture

In Japanese interiors, the center of gravity was lower to the ground and the focus was more on the floor. This greatly affected the furniture design. Furniture had to be very movable. Rooms might have multiple functions and would change simply by adjusting the furniture. Chairs were not typically used often. Usually, cushions were used instead. The enza was a round cushion commonly made of rice straw or grasses. It was about 20 inches wide and seen in homes, temples, and shrines. Square cushions called zabutons are more commonly used now. They are usually covered in cotton, linen, silk, or leather. They are also usually decorated with geometric stitching known as sashiko. Other furniture used was usually made of woods like magnolia, paulownia, white mulberry, and chestnut.

                     Japanese Enza                                               Japanese Zabuton

Japanese chairs were modeled after Chinese chairs like the Chinese folding chair. The Bentwood folding chairs were introduced to Japan by the Chinese and were fully integrated into Japanese society in the 20th century. The most important furniture in Japanese culture wasn’t chairs, but rather beds, mats, platforms, and chests. Japanese carpenters used finely crafted joints in their furniture. The kurodana was a free-standing shelving unit. It was mainly open but often had one section that was closed and private. Movable screens were also very important for Japanese interiors. These screens were usually made of canvas, paper, or silk and were usually painted. They were not only used for decoration but also for privacy, defining space, and a wind barrier. Beds were not as important in Japanese interiors. The futon was a thin padded mattress that was easily rolled up and away. Futons were often only used by the upper class of society. They were later introduced to the West through international travel. Small tables and tray tables were used but usually only for scholarly activities. The only other activity that involved a table was the tea ceremony and eating.

                                 Japanese Futon                                                Japanese Table

Current Applications:

Current Japanese Folding Chair

Modern Zen Garden

Modern Japanese-Inspired Interior

One Step Further:

Tadao Ando is one of the most well-known Japanese architects. He is very well known for his minimalist architectural design. He was born on September 13, 1941. He was separated from his twin brother after birth and went to live with his great-grandmother. He first was a boxer and fighter before he became an architect. He was greatly inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and began taking architecture and interior design classes. His Japanese heritage and culture greatly influenced his design. The simplicity of his designs emphasized physical experiences. He also included the concept of Zen in many of his designs. His designs were well known for representing the aesthetic of sensation. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1995. He is currently 83 and is still working.