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VIRTUAL EXHIBITION
"CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE CRAFTS"
Hall 1
Ostentation. The
Use of Ostentatious Colors, Gold, and Silver
One major characteristic of Japanese art is the use of
ostentatious colors as well as gold and silver. It is not that gold and
silver are simply used in large quantities. Rather, they are employed in
a variety of special techniques, such as the application of gold or
silver leaf, the sprinkling of gold or silver dust, and the inlaying of
lines of gold or silver. Instead of using metal as the basic material,
metal is understood and used as one among many colors. Also, in many
cases gold or silver are used together with other hues, such as
vermilion, soft, deep greens, or orange, to make unique and beautiful
combinations. This is an example of Japanese color sensibility, and it
can also be seen in Yamato-e paintings. These colors are sometimes used
independently and sometimes together wit other hues. Though they are
ostentatious, the intent is not simply to express the raw power of the
gold and silver elements. Rather there is a depth that suggests softness
and gentleness.
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