A Love of All Things Asian: The Freer Gallery's Peacock RoomI tend to think of the influence of Asian art on Western design as being a recent trend but in fact it has had a significant impact for over 150 years.
Katsushika Hokusai, South Wind, Clear Sky (1830-1833)
Photo: The British Museum
In the 1860's, Japan opened up to international trade, which provided Europe with greater access to the Ukiyo-e woodblock prints that were gaining popularity in France. The style of artists like Katsushika Hokusai was completely different from the realism found in traditional European painting at the time.
Mary Cassatt, Maternal Caress (1891)
Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Artists of the Impressionist and later movements emulated the clean lines and bold colours of the Japanese masters, as well as the scenes of everyday life and landscapes.
Vincent Van Gogh (after Eisen), La Courtisane (1887)
Photo: Hokusai
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