What are the defining characteristics of Japanese Zen ink painting (sumi-e), and how do they reflect the principles of Zen Buddhism?
How did the Edo period influence the development and techniques of ukiyo-e woodblock prints in Japanese art?
What are the key differences in style and subject matter between the Kano school and the Rinpa school in Japanese painting history?
How did the introduction of Western art techniques during the Meiji period affect traditional Japanese painting and its artists?
In what ways have the aesthetics of Wabi-Sabi influenced the development and appreciation of Japanese ceramics and tea ceremonies?
What role does Zen Buddhism play in traditional Japanese art forms such as sumi-e ink painting and garden design?
How has the cultural practice of woodblock printing, such as Ukiyo-e, influenced modern Japanese art and popular culture?
What are the defining characteristics of Japanese garden design, and how do they reflect broader principles of Japanese art and culture?
How do contemporary Japanese artists incorporate traditional elements, such as calligraphy or wabi-sabi, into their modern works?
What role did the art and architecture of the Edo period (1603-1868) play in the development of Japanese culture and identity?