Zen has profoundly influenced many of Japan's greatest artistic traditions. This course explores the relationship between Zen philosophy and practices including painting, calligraphy, architecture, rock gardens, flower arranging, tea ceremony, woodblock printing and Noh theatre. Participants will discover how artistic practice became a path to mindfulness, discipline and spiritual insight, and how these traditions continue to influence Japanese culture today. Suitable for anyone interested in Japanese art, culture, philosophy and spirituality.

DELIVERY MODE

• Online

COURSE RESOURCES

• Kerr, A., (2018), Another Kyoto, Penguin ISBN: 9780141988337
• Salz, J., (2018) A History of Japanese Theatre, Cambridge
• Clark.T.,ed. (2017) Hokusai: Beyond the Great Wave, Thames and Hudson/ The British Museum

COURSE OUTLINE

• An Introduction to Zen Buddhism in Japan
• Analysing architectural design: gates,  gardens, temples and theatre
• Calligraphy and wood block prints reflecting Zen concepts in a variety of artistic styles
• Noh Drama texts and performance

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Learn about how Zen Buddhism came to Japan
2. Explore design elements and motifs in calligraphy, wood block prints and architecture, influenced by Zen
3. Analyse Noh Drama performances based on Buddhist tales