Back to Words Spun Out of Images: Visual and Literary Culture in Nineteenth Century Japan
The University of Tokyo

Words Spun Out of Images: Visual and Literary Culture in Nineteenth Century Japan

This course explores how Japanese painters, poets, novelists, and photographers of the nineteenth century collaborated to depict 'real life,' a practice distinct from their European contemporaries. Learners will gain a clear understanding of how society and individuals were represented in early modern Japan. The course highlights the unique combination of Japanese visual and literary culture, where texts inspired images and images were inscribed with poems. Interpreting this indivisibility is key to understanding the social and psychological values embedded in Japanese art. By the end of this course, you will be able to: - Understand Japanese artistic collaboration in the nineteenth century. - Analyze representations of society and individuals in early modern Japan. - Interpret combined visual and literary Japanese cultures. - Re-evaluate artistic realism through a Japanese historical lens. This course is for students, researchers, and enthusiasts of Japanese art, history, and cultural studies. No specific software or tools are required. A general interest in art history or cultural studies is beneficial.

Status: Research
Status: Art History
BeginnerCourse26 hours

Featured reviews

CY

5.0Reviewed Jan 9, 2025

Easy to read and view lectures, clear photography, slides and personable presentation. Paced nicely for each module, variety of presentation ways.

GR

5.0Reviewed Dec 27, 2020

This course was highly educational, as well as deeply interesting. I was not previously educated on the literature or culture of Japanese society and found it still very clear and welcoming,

MK

4.0Reviewed May 3, 2021

Robert Cambell is clearly knowledgeable and very motivated to share his knowledge to others. Sometimes he deviates from his main topic and that makes it difficult to keep track of his main point.

FP

5.0Reviewed Dec 27, 2020

Thank you for showing us even a glimpse of Japan! I've been very fascinated and mesmerized about their culture. I wish there are more courses available like this. Thank you.

NV

5.0Reviewed May 15, 2023

Brilliant analysis, and a deep dive-in into the history of 19th-early 20th century Japan through images and photographs. Absolutely fascinating

O

5.0Reviewed Aug 5, 2020

It was such a wonderful course and I'm glad that I've gained an insight into the literary culture of Japan as well as the visual elements associated with it.

JA

5.0Reviewed Dec 16, 2018

i loved it! it was very detailed in terms of historical literature and photographic culture and the narrator really explained everything very well.

IV

5.0Reviewed Apr 4, 2023

Learnt so much and had acquired really great insights on Japanese culture. It made me want to start scribbling on all my photos in the great tradition haha.

HL

5.0Reviewed Oct 16, 2017

Great course, excellent teaching by sensei. ALthough subtitles sometimes are wrongly interpreted (like 'major restoration' nstead of 'Meiji'

AM

5.0Reviewed Sep 27, 2022

I​ was interested in the culture and the history of Japan. This course has helped me to broaden my knowledge. You should enroll in this course, your effort won't go in vein.

WD

5.0Reviewed Dec 29, 2020

This course provided me a perspective on writing and imagery that I had not considered. A welcome addition to my knowledge of Japan!

SC

5.0Reviewed Sep 6, 2019

It has expanded my views not only on Japan Visual and Literary Culture but also has open for me a new way of looking at portraits in different cultures and times. Thank you so much

All reviews

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David Bartle
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Reviewed Oct 23, 2020
jawaahir almutawakil
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Reviewed Dec 16, 2018
Katrina Lee
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Steve Bamlett
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Reviewed Jun 10, 2018
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Reviewed Sep 6, 2019
Vanice Chuong
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Reviewed Jan 10, 2018
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Reviewed Apr 16, 2019
Philippe SENEMAUD
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Reviewed May 19, 2019
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Reviewed May 7, 2020
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Reviewed Dec 3, 2017
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Reviewed Oct 9, 2020
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Reviewed May 6, 2019
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Reviewed Jul 15, 2019
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Reviewed Jan 9, 2025