Famous Japanese Paintings

Japanese culture has a rich history but when it comes to paintings usually European artists get the mention. Famous Japanese artists follow a similar pattern in their styles and methods. During the 17th century, the Japanese would look toward the styles associated with Western traditions. However, Japanese painting has remained among the most unique styles of artwork in the world.

The Great Wave off Kanagawa Katsushika Hokusai

Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai created this artwork between 1830 to 1832. He is known to focus on Mount Fuji and the sea especially paintings of the ocean. This painting depicts the raging seas surrounding the island of Kanagawa, well-known to sea-faring Japanese fishermen and merchants. The artwork mentioned here was one in a series titled Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. In this painting, the seas are depicted as most important, and Mount Fuji is seen in the background.

The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife Katsushika Hokusai

Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai created this painting which is among the most famous Japanese paintings. It was completed in 1814. The artwork depicts a young female diver engaged with two octopuses in an erotic act. It was part of a series of paintings devoted to erotic art showing women with various sea creatures.

Tiger Kawanabe Kyosai

Japanese artist Kwanabe Kyosai was one of the most famous Japanese painters. He created this painting in 1878 and it became one of the most iconic Japanese paintings in history. His style was greatly influenced by Japanese artist Hasegawa Tohaku, who was the founder of Hasegawa School. This artwork was done in watercolor and ink creating a tiger in a pose about to pounce on its prey.

Sunrise over the Eastern Sea Fujishima Takeji

Japanese artist Fujishima Takeji became a well-known artist in Japan. In 1928 he was commissioned to paint a series of artworks to decorate the Showa Emperor’s study hall. The artist chose to paint a scene depicting a sunrise to portray the Emperor’s ascension to power. He created this painting in 1932 and it is looked at as a masterpiece among Japanese artworks. It depicts a calm sea, with a sailboat seen in the distance, and a colorful sunrise.

Sansui Chokan (Long Scroll of Landscapes) Sesshu Toyo

Japanese artist Sesshu Toyo is one of the earliest artists among those who are famous for Japanese painting. He created this artwork in 1486 in the final years of his life. The Long Scroll of Landscapes is 15 meters in length and depicts the four seasons. It is considered a famous artwork in the Japanese culture.

Painting of a Cypress Kano Eitoku (Pictured above)

Japanese artist Kano Eitoku lived in the 16th century and was known for his creation of natural scenes. This artwork is among his most famous. He created this on several joint panels in 1590. It features a sprawling cypress tree on a hillside.

Reading in a Bamboo Grove Tensho Shubun

Japanese artist Tensho Subun created this artwork which is one of the earliest Japanese paintings. It was finished in 1446. The painting depicts an individual sitting along a hillside overlooking a bamboo grove. Such groves are commonplace in Japan and the bamboo tree is a symbol of the country. The artist was influenced by Japanese landscape painters like Xia Gui and Ma Yuan. This artwork was created in a unique style of Japanese ink.

A.K.A. Gero Tan: Noah’s Ark Takashi Murakami

Japanese artist Takashi Murakami was known for modern Japanese art and created this artwork in 2016. This piece gained popularity for the artist’s creativity and use of composition. This painting blends different genres of painting into one. It was inspired by a fictional creature from Japanese folklore, Kitaro, who possessed supernatural powers. Murakami created the painting from images he remembered from his childhood from a manga series around 1960.

Pumpkin Yayoi Kusama

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is among the most unique artists of the modern era in Japanese painting. The artist was 10 years old when she suffered a bizarre bout of hallucinations picturing dotted and warped pumpkins. She attempted to capture these visions in her art. She has created many gigantic paintings centering around pumpkins.