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Japonisme—the artistic fascination with all things Japanese—is often thought of as a French phenomenon. Indeed, French artists were among the first to be enthralled with the country’s prints, fans, textiles, and ceramics. Degas, Tissot, and Monet, among others, collected Japanese objets d’art and incorporated “Eastern” sensibilities into their subjects. Young American artists studying in Paris at the time caught the bug, and Japonisme was incorporated quickly into American art.

This seminar surveys the Americans who fell under Japan’s sway artistically, from the earliest soon after Commodore Perry opened Japan to trade in 1854 through the Abstract Expressionists. Lectures are highlighted by images from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Freer Gallery, Hirshhorn Museum, and other sources.

9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. The Japan Craze

The earliest American painters influenced by Japan: James Whistler, Mary Cassatt, and William Merritt Chase

10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. In Search of the Spirit of the East

Americans who made the artistic pilgrimage to Japan, including John La Farge, Lilla Cabot Perry, and Robert Frederick Blum.

12:15 to 1:30 p.m. Lunch

Participants provide their own lunch.

1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Japan and America’s Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau Movements

Rookwood pottery, Tiffany “Japanesque” silver, Greene and Greene, and Frank Lloyd Wright.

3 to 4:15 p.m. Asian Influences on Abstract Expressionists and Other Modernists

“Calligraphic” paintings in Abstract Expressionism (Marden, Motherwell, Kline, Tobey).

Instructor Bonita Billman teaches art history at Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies.

Smithsonian Connections

Experience Japonese art and culture through
a variety of historic monuments, galleries and
gardens when you discover Eternal Japan.

             
Visit the Smithsonian Journeys page to see more
trips to Japan.