The Art of Zen – Blog

The Rinpa Aesthetic: Where Nature and Elegance Become One

The Rinpa aesthetic defines Japanese elegance—nature distilled into rhythm and form. Meet its masters, from Sōtatsu to Kōrin, and see how Rinpa shaped ukiyo-e, shin-hanga, and modern Japanese design.

How Hanzo’s Ukiyo-e Revival Blends Tradition with Pop Culture

Japanese Art, Ukiyo-e

Hanzo revitalizes traditional ukiyo-e art by integrating iconic manga and anime characters into classic woodblock prints.

Art Week Tokyo 2025: What to Expect and How to Navigate Japan’s Leading Contemporary Art Event

Japan Travel, Japanese Art

Navigate Art Week Tokyo 2025 with highlights on curators, galleries, and tips for exploring Japan’s top contemporary art event this November.

The Ultimate Guide to Tokyo’s Art Scene

Japan Travel, Japanese Art

Navigate Tokyo’s art scene of museums, events, and galleries with expert tips, insights from key figures, and a 3-day itinerary.

Kuniyoshi’s The 108 Heroes of the Suikoden: A Visual Roar of Rebellion

Japanese Art, Ukiyo-e

Kuniyoshi’s epic ukiyo-e series The 108 Heroes of the Suikoden, features tattooed warriors, dynamic compositions, and a lasting influence.

The Art of the Edo Period: A Floating World in Full Color

Japanese Art, Ukiyo-e

Step into the vibrant world of Edo-period art, where ukiyo-e rose from street culture to become Japan’s most iconic global visual tradition.

Why Hokusai Manga Was More Than Just Sketches

Japanese Art, Ukiyo-e

Hokusai Manga was not a comic book—it was a groundbreaking visual archive of Edo life, influencing artists worldwide for centuries.

The 5 Most Known Ukiyo-e Artists of the Edo Period

Japanese Art, Ukiyo-e

Meet the five most known ukiyo-e artists of the Edo period—Utamaro, Sharaku, Hokusai, Kuniyoshi, and Hiroshige—and how they shaped Japan’s floating world.