Japanese painting

Painting techniques

Painting techniques

I execute works using Japanese painting techniques blended with those of tempera painting.

About Japanese-Painting

Japanese painting is the pictures which is made in accordance with traditional technich transmitted from ancient Japan.
After Meiji period, as the antonym of European style pictures, Japanese traditional style pictures are started to be called as Japanese paintings.
Before Meiji period, there were several schools like Kano-ha, Tosa-ha, Maruyama/shijo-ha, however currently, such division was removed and painters can express freely.
Recently, the difference between European paintings and Japanese paintings became foggy, and the materials such as natural pigments or glue became the evidence of Japanese paintings, and the pictures with such materials are called as Japanese paintings

About Tempera Painting

Tempera painting is a classic technique used prior to oil painting historically in the Western World. This technique utilizes powdered pigments, and emulsifiable egg or glue as a binder. Tempera paintings deteriorate little over the years, featuring vivid coloring.

For Japanese painting of material

Materials of Japanese painting

About Japanese-Painting

The origin of Japanese paintings was from China via the Korean Peninsula around 8th century, and established as Japanese original style around 10th century.
Till today, the method was not changed and transmitted.
Currently, there is several artificial mineral pigments, however on my works, I’m using natural mineral pigments as much as possible.
As the characteristic of Japanese painting, the work is very though and can be protected over 1000 years.

For Japanese painting of material


The pictures described on the silk are called “ekinu” or “Kenpon”. Silk is made of fibers produced by silkworm.
The difference with paper is that painting from back side is possible on the silk.

Japanese Paper

There are several kind of Japanese paper like “kumohadamashi”, “Usuminomshi”, “Torinokoshi” and “ganpishi”.
Currently Kumohadamashi is the most popular. Kumohadamashi is made by marijuana and papyrifera.

Natural Mineral Pigments

Pigments which are ground of minerals. The finer, the color becomes the lighter. The harsher, the color becomes the deeper.
The color can be changed when pigments were burned.
Typical Natural Mineral Pigments
ultramarine blue / azurite　　 aerugo / malachite


White pigments which is made from seashell like oyster, scallop and clam.

Cake Ink

Ash dust made from oil is mixed with natural glue, and dried inside wooden box.


Animal glue which is used from ancient period. Main contents of glue is gelatin from bones, skins, tendon of animals.
Dosa is made from animal glue, alum and water.

Gold Leaf

The materials which was pressed and expanded of gold. Metals like gold or silver were broadly used in Japanese painting through the ages.
Mud - Ground gold leaf is called as mud. Mud made by gold is called as gold mud, mud made by silver is called as silver mud.
Kirikane -  Gold leafs are burned and jointed. After that the gold is cut to long and thin pieces.
Kirikane is put with glue on the pictures, mainly used on buddist statue or Buddhist paintings.
Sunako - Put gold leaf into bumboo tube, and put powders of gold onto the paint. It was used on lacquer as well.
Kirihaku - Cut gold leaf into small squares.
Noke - Cut gold leaf into small long and thin pieces.