Kamakura Period Shinto Priest Figure
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- Kamakura Period - The Kamakura period was a period in Japanese history that lasted from 1185 to 1333. It is named after the city of Kamakura, which served as the de facto capital of Japan during this time.
The Kamakura period began with the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate by Minamoto no Yoritomo, who had defeated his rivals in a series of battles and was granted the title of shogun by the emperor. The shogunate was a military government that was based in Kamakura, and it marked a shift away from the traditional imperial system of government in Japan.
During the Kamakura period, Japan experienced a period of relative stability and economic growth. The samurai, who had previously been only one part of the complex aristocratic hierarchy, became the dominant military class and the backbone of the shogunate's power. The period also saw the rise of the warrior code of bushido, which emphasized loyalty, courage, and honor.
The Kamakura period also witnessed a flowering of culture and art, with the development of new forms of poetry, drama, and visual arts. The Zen sect of Buddhism also gained popularity during this period, and had a significant influence on Japanese culture and philosophy.
The Kamakura period came to an end in 1333, when the Kamakura shogunate was overthrown by Emperor Go-Daigo in a period of political turmoil known as the Kemmu Restoration. Nevertheless, the period remains a significant and influential era in Japanese history and culture and continues to inspire scholars and artists today. - Lacquered Lacquerware - Lacquer is a clear or coloured resin that is obtained from the sap of several species of trees in the genus Rhus, particularly the Rhus verniciflua tree, which is native to China and Japan. The resin is harvested by making incisions in the tree bark and collecting the sap that oozes out.
The sap is then processed and refined through a series of steps, which may include filtration, heating, and chemical treatments. The resulting lacquer is a highly durable and glossy material that is used as a finish for furniture, musical instruments, and other objects.
Lacquer has been used for thousands of years in Asia, where it is valued for its beauty and durability. It is applied in multiple thin layers, with each layer being allowed to dry and harden before the next one is added. The process can take several weeks or even months to complete, but the resulting finish is incredibly hard, glossy, and resistant to scratches and wear.
The lacquer derived from the resin of the Rhus tree has been used for decoration of furniture in several countries in Asia, particularly China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. These countries have rich traditions of using lacquer for furniture decoration and have developed unique techniques and styles of lacquer work.
In China, lacquer has been used for furniture decoration for over 2,000 years, and it became a major art form during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties. Chinese lacquerware is known for its intricate carving, painting, and inlay work, as well as its use of bold colours and designs. Lacquer was used to decorate furniture such as cabinets, screens, and chairs.
In Japan, lacquer has been used for furniture decoration for over 1,000 years. Japanese lacquerware is characterized by its simplicity and elegance, and it often incorporates natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and shells. Lacquer was used to decorate furniture such as chests, cabinets, and trays.
In Korea, lacquer has been used for furniture decoration for over a thousand years. Korean lacquerware is known for its restrained and understated beauty, and it often features delicate patterns and designs that are achieved through careful layering and carving. Lacquer was used to decorate furniture such as cabinets, chests, and screens.
In Vietnam, lacquer has been used for furniture decoration for over 2,000 years. Vietnamese lacquerware is known for its vibrant colours and intricate designs, and it often features scenes from daily life, nature, and mythology
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