Whistler and Artistic Exchange between Japan and the West: After Japonisme in Britain

The study of Japonisme examines the cross-cultural artistic exchange between the West and Japan from the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century, focusing on the relationships between James McNeill Whistler and his contemporaries in the Japanese artistic and literary worlds. Ono argues that a more holistic understanding of spillover effects is necessary to fully comprehend the nuances of these relationships, and that Western artists took inspiration from new Japanese styles while Japanese artists and writers were trying to craft a modern, more western-influenced style to reflect the modern nation of Japan emerging onto the world stage.

Format: Hardback
Length: 138 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

From the late 19th to the early 20th centuries, Ono investigates the cross-cultural artistic exchange between the West and Japan. Studies of Japonisme have traditionally focused on identifying the influence relationships between artworks, attempting to pinpoint which specific works influenced particular artists. However, Ono contends that a more comprehensive understanding of spillover effects is essential to fully comprehend the complexities of these relationships. To support her argument, she analyzes documents and works of art within the context of globalization, examining the connections between James McNeill Whistler and his contemporaries in the Japanese artistic and literary worlds. This exchange was far more intricate than commonly recognized, with Western artists drawing inspiration from (to them) novel Japanese styles, while Japanese artists and writers aimed to create a modern, more Western-influenced style to represent the emerging modern nation of Japan on the global stage after centuries of relative isolation.

A captivating examination of the role of globalization and cultural exchange in the emergence of new and hybrid art forms, this study will be of vital importance to scholars of this intriguing period in international art history.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032380247