East Asian paintings are distinguished not only by their visual content but also by their meticulously designed physical formats. These structures—whether rolled, hung, or folded—serve as embodiments of cultural philosophy, ritual practice, and aesthetic principles. This guide provides a systematic examination of painting formats from China, Japan, and Korea, offering foundational knowledge for identifying their unique characteristics and understanding their historical and sociocultural significance.

Kintsugi (Japanese: 金継ぎ, lit. 'golden joinery'), also known as kintsukuroi (金繕い, "golden repair"), is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with urushi lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum.

Lunar New Year is celebrated across East Asia with deep cultural and artistic significance. Ink paintings, known for their graceful brushstrokes and symbolic depth, often serve as a canvas to reflect the themes of renewal, prosperity, and harmony associated with the holiday. While these traditions vary across China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries, shared motifs and themes unite them in honoring nature, resilience, and cultural values.

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that celebrates imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. It is deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism and emphasizes finding beauty in the simple, the humble, and the natural. Wabi-sabi contrasts sharply with Western ideals of perfection and symmetry, offering a more contemplative approach to art, design, and life.

Japonisme (derived from the French word for “Japan”) refers to the influence of Japanese art, design, and aesthetics on Western art, especially in France and the rest of Europe, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This cultural phenomenon began with Japan’s reopening to the West in the 1850s and 1860s after over two centuries of isolation under the Tokugawa shogunate.

Yamato-e (大和絵) is a classical Japanese painting style that emerged during the Heian period (794–1185 CE). Its name translates to “Japanese painting” and is used to distinguish it from Kara-e (唐絵), or “Tang-style painting,” which refers to Chinese-inspired art. Yamato-e reflects Japanese aesthetics, focusing on domestic themes, seasonal landscapes, and courtly life, with a unique emphasis on narrative storytelling and decorative beauty.

East Asian art encompasses the rich artistic traditions of China, Japan, Korea, and to some extent, their influence on neighboring regions like Vietnam and Mongolia. It reflects a shared cultural heritage shaped by philosophical, religious, and historical connections, yet each country has developed distinct styles, techniques, and themes.

Zen Calligraphy or Zenshō (禅書), is a unique form of brush calligraphy deeply rooted in the philosophy and practices of Zen Buddhism. It is not just an artistic expression but also a spiritual practice, where the act of writing becomes a form of meditation and a way to express one’s inner state. Zen calligraphy is closely associated with Zenga (禅画), the Zen-inspired painting tradition, but it focuses specifically on writing characters or symbols with a brush.

Zenga (禅画), meaning “Zen painting,” is a style of Japanese art deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism. Practiced primarily by Zen monks, Zenga is characterized by its simplicity, spontaneity, and directness, aiming to capture the essence of Zen philosophy. It serves not only as an art form but also as a meditative practice and an expression of spiritual insight.

Splashed Ink (潑墨) is a dynamic and expressive technique in traditional Chinese ink painting. It involves ink's spontaneous and free application to create abstract, fluid, and often unpredictable forms. The technique emphasizes spirit and emotional resonance over precise detail, aligning with the philosophical values of Taoism (道教) and Zen Buddhism (禪宗).

沒骨畫, or “Boneless Painting”, is a traditional East Asian painting technique that originated in China. The style emphasizes creating forms without outlines, relying on washes of ink or color to define shapes. Instead of precise contours, the focus is on capturing the spirit (神韻) and essence of the subject, resulting in a soft and natural appearance.

East Asian painting encompasses a rich tapestry of philosophies and artistic principles that have developed over centuries. Rooted in Chinese traditions and later adapted by Japanese and Korean cultures, these philosophies reflect shared values of harmony, nature, and spiritual expression, while each region developed its unique artistic identity.

While there isn’t a formalized or universally recognized art style or genre called “Zen art” in the traditional sense, but the term is often used informally to describe artworks and aesthetics influenced by Zen Buddhism, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China before spreading to Japan, Korea, and beyond. These can include a variety of artistic expressions and principles that align with Zen philosophy, emphasizing simplicity, mindfulness, and harmony with nature.

Learn how to distinguish between Japanese sumi-e (ink painting) and Chinese shui mo hua (水墨画, ink-wash painting). They share many similarities due to their historical and cultural connections.

Sumi-e (墨絵) is a traditional Japanese art form that emphasizes simplicity, balance, and the essence of the subject. It evolved from Chinese ink-wash painting (水墨画) and was deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism. Sumi-e uses black ink, water, and brush techniques to create dynamic and expressive artworks.

Japanese art style Ukiyo-e (浮世絵), meaning “pictures of the floating world,” is a genre of Japanese art that flourished during the Edo period.