Japanism

art

Also known as: Japonism, Japonisme

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History

Japanism, aesthetic cult that had a major impact on Impressionist painting. Japanism began in the mid-19th century, just after Japanese trade with the West was opened, and lasted for a generation in France and England. Japanism depended upon the careful study of imported works of Japanese art, usually recent popular prints (Ukiyo-e) rather than important older paintings. The prints were collected by such painters as Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, and other artists. The...

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