leçon de peinture japonaise
​lesson of Japanese painting
©2020 ATELIER HAYATO NAKAZAWA

​ What is Japanese painting?

Currently, they are called "Japanese paintings" as a general term for paintings drawn mainly using mineral pigments, water-dried paints, ink, glue, and Japanese paper. However, the strict definition of "Japanese painting" is difficult, and discussions about Japanese painting are still held in various places. The origin of the word "Nihonga" is said to have been named by Tenshin Okakura in the Meiji era, and before that, the official word "Nihonga" did not exist.

Edo period painters such as Ito Jakuchu and Soga Shohaku, who are popular these days, painters such as the Kano school and Maruyama school, and Katsushika Hokusai were not called Japanese painters at all at that time. They existed as town painters and professional writers (craftsmen). Also, from the current point of view, it does not fall under the category of "Japanese painter", and basically the concept of words created after the Meiji era is the most appropriate way of expressing "Japanese painting" today. It has become.

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What is the initial cost?

There are many kinds of Japanese painting tools and it seems to be very expensive, but the initial cost of the tools that should be prepared first is around 20,000 yen. The main things you definitely need are paints and brushes, and these costs are the above prices.

It would be nice if we could gradually increase the variety of brushes and paint types, but if it is produced in the atelier, the minimum required is a paint set (24-color set) of around 10,000 yen, and a brush set (brush set). (Approximately 5 to 7) It is possible to prepare for around 10,000 yen. Let's start with these basic tools.

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​ Japanese painting tools

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Iwaenogu _

Iwaenogu refers to particulate Japanese paints originally made by crushing natural ore. Types of mineral pigments include "natural mineral pigments", "new mineral pigments" artificially made in modern times, and "synthetic mineral pigments".

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​ Water-dried paint (Suihienogu)

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It is a fine particle Japanese paint made by dyeing natural soil, whitewash or white clay. It stretches well and features a matte texture. Water-dried paint is an inexpensive paint that can be applied smoothly and evenly, so it is mainly used as an undercoat before applying mineral pigments. It is also a paint that can be mixed.

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Gofun _

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A Japanese painting white paint made from shells such as oysters, clams, and scallops. The whitewash itself is not adhesive and will settle on the support by adding gel. It is also a raw material for water-dried paints dyed with dyes.

In addition, there are various ways to use it, such as the base and finish to improve the color development of the paint and to make it more exciting.

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Japanese paper (Washi)

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​ There are many types of Japanese-style Japanese paper, but the one that is most commonly used today is called Kumohadashi. The raw materials are hemp, mulberry and a small amount of ganpi. The name comes from the fact that the entanglement of fibers on the surface looks like cloud skin. It is also suitable for producing delicate colors and expressions while being thick.

Other major Japanese papers for Japanese painting include Kochi hemp paper, which is cheaper but stronger than cloud-skin hemp paper, and torinokogami and white hemp paper, which are suitable for thinner and more delicate work.

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Brush _

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We use sheep, horses, mice, weasels, raccoon dogs, and various types of hair. Since the hardness and the inclusion of paint vary depending on the hair quality, it is necessary to select a brush that suits the purpose.

There are many types of Japanese painting brushes, as they are used in detail depending on the purpose. If you want to draw Japanese paintings, I recommend the brush from a manufacturer called Seishindo. Also, if the quality of the brush is not good, it is recommended to prepare a good quality brush because the hair may come off while applying the paint or uneven color may occur due to the inability to apply it smoothly.

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Picture plate ( Ezara )

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A plate for melting paint. It acts like an oil painting palette. Iwaenogu basically melts colors one by one, so instead of using a large palette-like area, I use many palm-sized plates.

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Glue _

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It is a solidified product of animal collagen. It is an adhesive that has been used for hundreds of years, and has been used not only in Japan but also in various places such as the West and Asia.

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Ink _

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Ink is made by kneading soot collected by burning oil or pine with glue and drying it. The ink is grated with water and used as a coloring material. As it is said that "ink has five colors", there are various colors in black. There are various uses such as drawing a draft called a bone drawing or mixing it with paint.