United Through Arts celebrates the Art of Japan.
Sumi-e (Brushstroke)
Sumi-e is the Japanese word for black ink painting. It is an over 2000 year old Japanese art form developed by Zen Buddhist monks. There is a major focus on mental and spiritual clarity and concentration as part of the practice. Even preparing to paint was a very meditative routine. In history it was also used as a way to instill the moral values of the Samurai Code of Conduct. Sumi-e paintings are generally monochrome, or black and white, allowing for a simplistic style and focus on the subject, which is most often plants, animals and landscapes.
References:
www.drue.net/sumi-e-history
http://www.sumiesociety.org/whatissumie.php
Images:
Sumi-e painting, Shozo Sato, 2010, https://japanobjects.com/features/sumie
www.drue.net/sumi-e-history
http://www.sumiesociety.org/whatissumie.php
Images:
Sumi-e painting, Shozo Sato, 2010, https://japanobjects.com/features/sumie