Page 47 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2017Q1

“Aesthetic

brilliance of

Japanese

scrolls derives

in part from its

proportions.

The proportions

are adjusted

to achieve a

balance more

pleasing to the

eye.”

In the second main section of this book, de Lange the three main parts of hanging scrolls and the five
states that art in Japan began as a craft, and later distinct parts of hand scrolls. He provides detailed
through refinements, developed into an art form. data about the every part of the scrolls, more than I
He makes the argument that Japanese pictorial art ever wanted to know.
depends more on the way it is mounted to achieve De Lange points out that the dimensions of a scroll
its full potential than western paintings hanging in are of critical importance. He writes that the “aesthetic
wooden frames. The subtlety of the different materials brilliance of Japanese scrolls derives in part from its
used in mounting a scroll is crucial to the ability to proportions. The proportions are adjusted to achieve
fully appreciate East Asian art. This may be a new a balance more pleasing to the eye.” This important
concept for many western readers. De Lange presents aspect of Japanese scrolls is well illustrated in Japanese
detailed information about the types of mounting— Scrolls, Their History, Art & Craft. The importance of
shin (formal), gyo (neutral), and so (informal). the nuances in Japanese scrolls often escapes the mind
These three designations are also used for Japanese of many Western viewers; however, this work will help
tokonoma. us to better appreciate the beautiful handmade scrolls
This second section provides detailed information of Japan.
about the structure of hanging and hand scrolls. Using The task of unrolling and hanging a scroll at
beautiful executed line drawings, de Lange illustrates varying times has a carefully prescribed procedure.

January/February/March 2017 | BCI | 45