‘Nihonga’ – Japanese Culture and Makoto Takahashi ‘M&Blue’

 

The word ‘Nihonga’ - literally Japanese-Style painting, was first used to distinguish the difference between Japanese art and the western oil paintings that were seen after the Meiji period – the difference between the two being the raw materials used. One of the many special features of ‘Nihonga’ is the use of natural mineral pigments finely ground for color and the use of glues in the painting process. These techniques have continued to be used since the Nara Period (710-794 CE) and take require a long time to perform. Artist Makoto Takahashi has utilized this unique nature of ‘Nihonga’’s textures and blended them with western motifs. His piece ‘M&B’ is especially unique in its use of Azure Blue minerals which are very similar to those used in the murals of the Nara Period (710-794 CE).

 

 

Over 1000 Years of History: Nihonga Japanese Painting.

 

The natural mineral pigments used in Nihonga were brought to Japan from China in the Nara period (700CE) and passed down through generations of painters. They are a unique resource used for over 1000 years and still have a place in Japan’s traditional culture.

 

Ground from natural minerals, the pigments used in Nihonga vary in color based on the size of the grains. Large grains have a rich color whereas smaller grains are lighter. Even the same color will yield limitless combinations of mixtures due to the different grains that get combined. This means that more naturally vivid colors than water color or oil paints can be achieved.

 

Nihonga utilizes a process wherein natual mineral pigments are painted with use of glues made from the hides and bones of animals. These glues are naturally made and the Japanese Washi paper used can survive for a thousand years. The granular nature of the mineral pigments requires the use of these highly adhesive natural glues as if they are not used then the grains would not stay in place on the canvas and run downwards to the floor.

 

The Nihonga process requires various natural pigments be dissolved in these natural glues mixed by hand. In this way, Nihonga provides the unique sensation and experience of combining colors for the creation of pieces. These mixtures are more resistant to light damage than chemically created dyes and also won’t blend completely with other paints. The color of natural mineral pigments changes after painting. When the paint is wet the colors are very rich and as they dry they become lighter. This means that the artist is required to imagine the coloring after the paint has dried which requires a lot of experience and mastery of angles. This changing of colors is another special aspect of Nihonga. The world of Nihonga is both a world of vague and profound colors – where the grains of pigments shrine as if they were gorgeous jewels set upon a piece.