6.4 Intellectual and cultural flourishing: Neo-Confucianism and ukiyo-e

Neo-Confucianism shaped Tokugawa Japan's social order. It reinforced hierarchy, loyalty, and moral education through schools and societal norms. This philosophy provided justification for shogunate rule and encouraged self-cultivation among samurai administrators.

Ukiyo-e art captured urban life in Edo period Japan. Using woodblock printing, it depicted diverse themes like actors, beautiful women, and landscapes. Masters like Hokusai and Hiroshige created iconic works that influenced global art movements and sparked interest in Japanese aesthetics.

Neo-Confucianism in Tokugawa Japan

Neo-Confucianism in Tokugawa society

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• Neo-Confucianism introduced by Fujiwara Seika and Hayashi Razan became official ideology adopted by Tokugawa shogunate shaped societal norms
• Reinforced hierarchical society emphasized loyalty to ruler and filial piety maintained social order (samurai, farmers, artisans, merchants)
• Established han schools for samurai class and expanded terakoya schools for commoners focused on Confucian classics and moral education
• Promoted Five Relationships (ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, elder-younger, friend-friend) and virtues (benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, faithfulness)
• Provided philosophical justification for Tokugawa rule encouraged self-cultivation among samurai administrators strengthened governance

Ukiyo-e Art and Culture

Development of ukiyo-e art

• Emerged in Edo period (1603-1868) name means "pictures of the floating world" captured essence of urban life
• Utilized woodblock printing techniques with water-based inks enabled mass production made art accessible to middle class
• Depicted diverse themes kabuki actors (yakusha-e), beautiful women (bijin-ga), landscapes (fūkei-ga), historical scenes (rekishi-ga)
• Reflected merchant class culture portrayed entertainment districts (Yoshiwara) showcased fashion trends (kimono styles)
• Faced government censorship artists developed subtle symbolism and allusions to convey messages (mitate-e)

Works of ukiyo-e masters

• Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849)
  • Created "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" series iconic print "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" became symbol of Japanese art
  • Explored diverse subjects landscapes, flora, fauna, everyday life demonstrated versatility
  • Innovated use of Prussian blue pigment enhanced color palette influenced future artists
• Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858)
  • Renowned for landscape prints mastered "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō" series captured essence of travel
  • Excelled in portraying atmospheric effects and seasonal changes evoked mood and emotion
  • Influenced Western Impressionist artists (Monet, Van Gogh) contributed to Japonisme movement
• Stylistic developments
  • Hokusai's dynamic compositions and bold designs revolutionized visual storytelling
  • Hiroshige's subtle color gradations and intimate scenes conveyed serenity and nostalgia
• Legacy and influence
  • Impacted global art movements preserved Edo period visual culture and landscapes
  • Ukiyo-e prints became collectibles worldwide sparked interest in Japanese aesthetics