Unveiling Japanese Nanga Paintings
By Rosalind: East Asia Correspondent
The term “Nanga” is a direct translation of “Southern painting.” The term “Nanga,” which originates in Chinese and is translated into Japanese, describes purposefully unrefined amateur artworks.
Instead of copying the surface-level visual environment, the Nanga Style seeks to depict the painter as accurately as possible. Thus, the Nanga painting can be seen as a broad concept that encompasses different brushwork techniques. The artist passionately devoted his brush and ink to unveiling his true essence.
The artist skillfully weaves together elements of nature and their own spiritual sentiments, creating a mesmerizing display through their brushwork. Nanga painting is a beautiful expression of connecting with nature and evoking a sense of poetic emotion. These paintings were a crucial element in the portrayal of the enigmatic intellectual.
However, Nanga painting is closely connected to a lifestyle that became popular in Japan during the 17th century. During that period, Japanese artists were deeply inspired by Chinese Literati painting practice and embarked on a journey to embrace a way of life that beautifully intertwined with their spiritual emotions.
Artists like Uragami Gyokudou embraced a lifestyle that would later be known as the literati lifestyle. The artist experienced a state of pure bliss that went beyond the boundaries of the physical realm. Engrossed in the moment, Uragami Gyokuddit was completely disconnected from his physical self as he indulged in sake and played the koto. Inspired by a deep sense of spirituality, he felt compelled to express his emotions through his artwork.
With delicate strokes of ink and wash, he captured the ethereal beauty of the landscapes he envisioned in his mind. This performance resonates with the spirit of Chinese literati, who find inspiration in the realm of immersive oblivion. In the Tang Dynasty, the renowned poet Li Bai created a masterpiece known as 將進酒 (‘Bring in the Wine’), when confronted with a significant challenge in life.
Enthralled by the euphoric allure of wine, Wang Xi Zhi, a renowned calligrapher during the Jin dynasty in China, crafted the masterpiece known as 蘭亭集序 (‘Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion’ or ‘Lantingji Xu’), leaving an indelible mark on Chinese literature.
The world is a vast and interconnected entity, much like the symbolism of flowers in Zen Buddhism
It appears that alcohol is closely linked to experiences of spiritual transcendence. However, the Nanga painting's performance is not necessarily connected to alcohol.
Tsubaki Chinzan was a renowned artist. In stark contrast to his counterparts, he led a simple and disciplined life. He was known for his abstention from alcohol and smoking, his dedication to the art of the tea ceremony, and his skill in playing the shō. Tsubaki Chinzan's painting practice is a product of his unwavering self-reflection and deep contemplation, allowing him to truly understand the essence of his portrayed subjects.
The careful observation is not just a product of keen perception, but is closely linked to the utilization of one's minds vision. Tsubaki's life was known to be filled with hardship, including the death of his father at a young age and his own problems with disease, even though the detailed literature about it is unavailable.
However, in his painting work, one can sense a deep sense of calmness, a celestial realm devoid of somber sadness.
Despite the challenges of life, he maintains a positive attitude and his art performance reflects this resilience. Chinzan's artwork frequently showcased the beauty of nature, capturing the intricate details of birds, flowers, and landscapes. The artist's distinctive approach involved the use of the "boneless" technique, where he skillfully applied ink and color washes to create forms without the need for outlines. This approach added to the delicate and poetic impression that became a defining characteristic of his creations.
In his piece 'hut amid trees', he portrayed a humble dwelling nestled away in the mountains, surrounded by the vibrant foliage and abundant trees in the foreground. The hut exudes a sense of simplicity, with no signs of adornment.
It gives the impression that the owner has been absent for quite some time, leaving behind an empty and neglected dwelling. The house owner, however, does not play a role in advancing the storyline.
Instead, the painter is expressing his inner condition; he is the home's owner and is only present in this small space right now. The residence itself reflects his strict and minimalist lifestyle.
Instead of indulging in the ordinary world, he finds solace in the depths of the spiritual realm, as represented by the profound beauty of natural landscapes. Thus, from his perspective, mountains and rivers possess a boundless spiritual essence, constantly on the verge of metamorphosis, mirroring the ever-changing nature of the cosmos.
Ephemeral In Nature
Therefore, a soft touch of blue hue captures the essence of the far-off mountains. The moist atmosphere captures the flowing river descending from the delicate towering mountains, creating an enhanced feeling of otherworldliness.
Tsubaki Chinzan's painting reflects a profound connection to his spirituality, providing him with solace, a sanctuary, and tranquility.
The technique that highlights the absence of contours showcases his ability to blend everything, even himself, into the vastness of the comas. The world is a vast and interconnected entity, much like the symbolism of flowers in Zen Buddhism. It emphasizes the unity of all beings, transcending individual identities.
Rosalind
As a practitioner in the realm of art over the years, I have wandered through the palaces of both Western and Eastern artistic traditions. These diverse art pieces serve as wellsprings for my writing, harmonizing with the profound thoughts of great thinkers from around the world throughout history. I am convinced that unlocking the mystery of art involves delving deep into the human psyche, turning the pursuit of art into a pilgrimage to one's inner self.
