Second Wave of Japonisme: From Pre-Modern to Post-Modern Symbol
A new wave of japonisme is emerging, distinct from the first wave in the late 19th century that influenced symbolism and impressionism. This second wave is driven by the golden age of the modern Japanese novel during the 1980s and 1990s, which saw the publication of 247 works. The myth has reversed: Japanese culture is no longer a symbol of pre-modernity but of a hypothetical post-modernity. Myth and counter-myth thus determine a split image of Japan in Western consciousness.
Key facts
- First wave of japonisme occurred at the end of the 19th century
- First wave influenced symbolism and impressionism
- Golden age of modern Japanese novel was in the 1980s-1990s
- 247 works were published during that period
- Second japonisme wave reverses the myth
- Japanese culture now symbolizes post-modernity instead of pre-modernity
- Myth and counter-myth create a split image of Japan in Western consciousness
Entities
Locations
- Japan
Sources
- artpress —