This is arguably one of the most popular Japanese paintings in the world. It was part of Hokusai's "Thirty-six views of Mount Fuji" series. This style of art is known as woodblock painting, ukiyo-e in Japanese which requires a lot of skill. This particular painting depicts 3 small boats moving through a harsh storm. Mount fuji is visible next to the big wave, which is basically the focal point of the painting.
Tachi- Samurai sword
Though this looks like a regular Katana, it is actually considered to be the predecessor of a Katana. The Tachi was longer and more curved than a Katana. The Tachi was used by samurais between 900 CE and 1596 CE. It lost its popularity in the 1350's though as the Katana was easier to handle, more durable, smaller in length and sharper than the tachi. Either way, the tachi was meticulously crafted to suit the user's preference and style.
Asano Naganori's death poem (17th century)
Asano Naganori was a daimyo in the 17th century, famously known as the leader of the 47 ronin. He assaulted a official and was sentenced to death by seppuku (suicide). His loyal samurai took revenge and were buried next to their leader. This beautiful poem was written by Asano before he died. It explains how he's not going to be around until the end of Spring, ending his life abruptly. This poem perfectly conveys the artistic abilities of Japanese people in the samurai era.
Seppuku
Seppuku was a ritualistic suicide, present throughout the samurai years. It was a way to die with honor. The process of seppuku included one slicing their belly until they bled to death, however, there would usually be a second person who would slice the head of the seppuku performer to ensure their death. This process cleansed one's dirty mistakes and crimes and made them regain the honor they once lost.
Gagaku music and dance (10th century)
Around the 5th century, music in Japan was highly influenced by the Chinese, but in the 10th century, they developed Gagaku, their own dance and music. Both the music and the dance were really advanced and required the dancers to wear specific clothing. Gagaku was originally performed in court functions in Imperial places and is still quite popular today, considering its age.
Japan map in the edo era
Above is the map of Japan during the edo era. One major difference it has with the modern day map of Japan is the absence of Hokkaido. The predominant reason for this is because there was little to no settlement in Hokkaido at the time and it was considered foreign land by the Japanese. Moreover, there are shogunates (land owned by shoguns) present in this map.
Hannya Noh mask (17th century) by Yukan Mitsuyasu
Hannya Noh mask is supposed to depict a jealous female demon that possessed a girl. It is indeed quite scary, some noticeable demonic features being the horns, large ears, metallic bulging eyes, sharp teeth and a strong jawline. The expression portrays anger, sorrow and jealousy.
Gion matsuri (869 CE)
Gion matsuri is one of the most popular Japanese traditional festivals. It is celebrated every year in July. The cart looking things in the image above are called floats, they are used to carry a local boy chosen every year who represents a messenger to the gods, to appease them. These floats can be up to 25 meters high and can weigh 12 tons. They are pulled in downtown Kyoto from 9 am to 2 pm.
Fushimi Inari shrine (711 CE - 1589 CE)
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is based upon the religion of Shintoism, which was one of the most common religions in ancient Japan. It is located in Kyoto and visited by many tourists every year. Shintoism is the belief of multiple divine beings, it often includes the observation of natural landscapes like mountains.
Kimono
Kimono's are traditional Japanese clothes which are distinguished by their unique patterns, large and baggy overall style and flat wooden sandals. There are many types of Kimono, "Kosode" is a kimono with small sleeves. "Furisode" is characterized by its long swinging sleeves, which interestingly indicated the wearers unmarried status. There was also "Yukata" which literally translates to "bathing clothes", it was an informal kimono.
