A change in the evaluation of Nanga that is one of Chinese style painting symbolizes a transition of Japanese art thoughts that turned from nationalism to imperialism. In 1880's-90's, an establishment of the concept of national culture was an earnest problem. In those days, to separate Chinese element from Japanese culture was needed for an establishment of the "purity" of Japanese culture. Therefore, Nanga was attacked in art criticism. In 1910's, nanga was re-evaluated, because Japan's nationa…
Read moreA change in the evaluation of Nanga that is one of Chinese style painting symbolizes a transition of Japanese art thoughts that turned from nationalism to imperialism. In 1880's-90's, an establishment of the concept of national culture was an earnest problem. In those days, to separate Chinese element from Japanese culture was needed for an establishment of the "purity" of Japanese culture. Therefore, Nanga was attacked in art criticism. In 1910's, nanga was re-evaluated, because Japan's national policy had turned to imperialism and desired to possess China for obtaining the position as "a representative of the Orient." Toyozou Tanaka, an editor of "Kokka"magazine, wrote 'Nanga Shinron' to re-evaluate Nanga. He and his article had contributed to "Nanga boom" which came in 1910's. many critics and artists commented that Nanga was the essence of the Oriental art that is more excellent than the Occidental art, in this boom. A creation of such a new image about nanga might have been closely linked with creation of or support for Japan's new self-image in the "new era," the era of imperialism