Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Restricted Access Capstone

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

Art History

Abstract

Tiger and Dragon Screens by Doan is a double-sided screen in the Japanese and Korean collection at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. It is currently not on view. There is a small 'curatorial file' from Minneapolis Institute of Art. containing various descriptions of the piece and Doans life. There is a distinctive and unique claw-like wave formation that first appears in Doan's Dragon and Tiger pair that reappears in other Buddhist and Japanese art after Doan. Doan should be considered in the long line of high art in Japan, and his unique waveform is worthy of recognition as a Muromachi period screen. The depiction of water in Japan experienced a growth spurt in the Muromachi period; Instead of stagnant water or long and thin waves, it became more of a focal point. This waveform has also repeated in Ukiyo-e prints in the Edo period, which is a low form of art. This waveform hasn't appeared in any art found predating this screen. It could be that the stylization of the dragon and clouds brought forth a claw like a waveform. The waveforms are a similar motion as the claws and clouds, and also provides a sense of movement that otherwise wasn't seen in art predating this. Art that is produced shortly after his also feature this waveform. The relationship between high and low art is important, because the active water is now incorporated in the classic depictions of the dragon. I want to acknowledge the relationship between the expensive screens, like Doan's, and the mass produced prints or Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, which were produced in japan from the17th century to the l9th century. Through my research, my objective is to show a stylistic relationship between Doan's Tiger and Dragon Screens and other succeeding works.

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