6 famous paintings that were actually made by Japanese artists | The Times of India (2024)

The world of art is breathtaking to say the least. From the almost real depictions of humans to the beautiful sceneries that adorn our wallpapers and screensavers, paintings almost bring things alive. From the ‘Mona Lisa’ to the ‘Statue of Moses’, every artist tries his or her best when expressing themselves and presenting something to the audience.
Here we list 6 famous paintings that were made by Japanese artists and seem so real that one would feel like they are not viewing a painting but rather are present in the scene themself.

One of the most iconic masterpieces in art history is ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’. The artwork beautifully shows the power and majesty of nature with the towering ocean waves. Artist Hokusai beautifully captures the moment when a huge wave threatens to drown the boats beneath it, showing the audience the low position of humanity in front of the immensity of the ocean.
The use of contrasting colours, especially the deep blue of the wave against the muted tones of the sky and boats, creates a sense of tension in the image.

(Image: Reading Public Museum/GoogleArts)

In ‘Autumn Leaves’, artist Yokoyama Taikan captures the serene beauty of nature during the fall season. The painting shows a scene of orange-red maple leaves falling down against a backdrop of towering trees. Taikan's use of warm, earthy tones fills the artwork with a sense of warmth and nostalgia. The painting automatically invites the viewer’s in for the very peaceful ambience it gives out. Plus, the amazing detailing, from the delicate veins of the leaves to the play of light filtering through the branches, the painting exudes elegance.

(Image: Adachi Museum of Art/GoogleArts)

Utagawa Hiroshige's ‘Night Rain at the Double-Shelf Stand’ is a slightly scary but very beautiful portrayal of urban life in Edo-period Japan. The painting shows a big, lone tree which seems like it is lit up by the soft glow of lanterns and raindrops pouring over the city. The subtle gradations of grey and black creates a sense of depth and mystery in the painting.

(Image: Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Hiroshi Yoshida's ‘Fuji from Kawaguchi Lake’ is a mesmerising scenery art of Japan's most iconic mountain, Mount Fuji. Set against the waters of Kawaguchi Lake, Fuji is shown in its majestic aura and feels like it will almost touch the sky. The snow-capped peak glowing in the soft light of dawn and the detailing along with the use of different shades of blue make the painting a visual delight. The play of light and shadow on the lake and the slopes of the mountain, creates a sense of depth in the art piece.

(Image: MFA Boston)

Fujishima Takeji's ‘Sunrise over the Eastern Sea’ captures the beauty of dawn as it breaks over a vast sea. The painting shows an immense sea and an orange sky, which feels like the perfect view of a sunset. Takeji's use of subtle tones and delicate brushwork gives the painting a kind of life where the audience feel as if they are witnessing a real sunset.

(Image: Artizon Museum/GoogleArts)