Capturing the magic of natural mineral pigments
Japanese-style painting is a traditional form of expression that has steadily evolved for hundreds of years. It is characterized by the use of natural pigments made from crushed minerals mixed with an adhesive called nikawa. Students who are enchanted by these vibrant pigments dedicate themselves to mastering them day after day.
The Japanese-style painting 'Nihonga' major has ten students each year for instruction by six full-time faculty and more than thirty part-time instructors for personal, one-on-one instruction. Students achieve their unique vision through a broad and deep understanding of expression through the medium of traditional painting.
Curriculum
Core skills in Japanese-style painting
Students start out by learning the basics of nihonga expressive techniques during their first and second years of study. They also research painting materials such as nikawa adhesive, pigments, papers, and brushes through various painting assignments involving animals, vegetation, scenery, and other subjects. Other assignments involve copying classic paintings to learn traditional Japanese coloring and drawing methods. During their third year, students begin to apply their knowledge by creating pieces that demand individual creativity and independent study. Fourth-year students engage in graduation works as the culmination of their studies. Creating large works of art allows students figure out how to present their work while developing even more sophisticated means of nihonga-style expression.
Faculty members
Professor
SHIMIZU Yoshiro
Study of Nihonga Production
Professor
IDE Yasuto
Arts Education
Professor
OKADA Shinji
Modern Japanese-style Painting
Associate Professor
YOSHIMURA Yoshihiro
Nihonga Creation
Associate Professor
IWANAGA Terumi
Nihonga Creation, Study of Japanese and Western Classics
Associate Professor
BANNO Tomohiro
Classical Painting Techniques in Japan