Ashmolean Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

Japanese Spirit, Western Technology

Great changes took place in Japan during the Meiji era (1868-1912), following the opening up of the country to the West after 250 years of national isolation.

Many Japanese artists began to use new Western techniques and styles alongside existing Japanese and Chinese traditions. This art supplied a growing export trade and became a source of fascination in the West. Japanese art had a major impact on Western artists such as Monet, Van Gogh and Degas.

Despite the changes, many customs and practices within Japanese society remained much as before. In this gallery, you can also see two aspects of traditional culture that continue to play an important role in Japan to this day: Buddhism and the tea ceremony.