Asian Art and History

Lecture

Asian Art and History Flowers Beneath the Snow Chinese Influence on Japanese Artistic Traditions

Marjorie Williams, Ph.D., Senior Director for Endowment Development, The Cleveland Museum of Art

The lecture examines the impact of Chinese and continental culture on Japan, beginning with the introduction of Buddhism (via Korea) in the sixth century and Chan Buddhism later in the 14th century. Confucianism accompanied the early wave of Buddhism, introducing social order and a philosophy of governance. New architectural and artistic styles served as a catalyst for the unique synthesis with native Shinto beliefs and the reconceptualization of imagery. The importation of Chinese ceramics and a tea culture during the 12th through the 14th centuries was embraced by the ruling aristocracy and inspired a new aesthetic tradition known today as the Way of Tea, Chanoyu. Throughout history, Chinese and continental influences served as catalysts to Japanese culture and art, inspiring unique aesthetic and artistic traditions that emerged, blossoming like flowers beneath the snow.

This presentation is part of the Asian Art and History series.

Image: ASesshū Tōyō. Winter Landscape. Muromachi period, c. 1470s. Ink on paper hanging scroll, 47.7 x 30.2 cm. Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo, Japan.

Marjorie Williams

Marjorie Williams

A museum professional for over 40 years at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Marjorie Williams, Ph.D., has previously served as director of the education and public programs (1997-2011), and as senior director for endowment development (2011-18). As senior leadership giving officer since 2018, she assists in fund raising initiatives for capital campaigns, endowment, education, exhibitions and special projects, particularly in Asian art.

She is an adjunct professor for the department of art history at Case Western Reserve University. As an art historian, she specializes in the arts of China, Korea, Japan and India. Since 1993, Williams has traveled annually to Asia as a lecturer for the Smithsonian Journeys programs with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and other travel companies, such as Orion Expeditions in Sydney, Australia, and Abercrombie & Kent.