Orientalism:Representations of Japan

in “Western” arts

Two centuries of japonisme and japonesque exoticism in the “Western” fashion

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Exoticism• Exoticism – employing elements of an “exotic”

(e.g., Oriental) culture in a different cultural context.

• Exoticism in arts, fine and decorative – “the presentation of one culture for consumption by another — [i]s not always ‘bad.’ It [i]s, in fact, a way to promote cultural dialogue” (Alden Jones).

http://thesmartset.com/article08060708/

• Note the fine line between utilizing elements of an “exotic” culture to enrich the borrowing culture and cultural appropriation.

Exoticism in “Western” Fashion

• Developed intensively since mid-XIX century, when long-distance travelling became more common and new experiences affected “Western” tastes.

• Aesthetic fascination with the Other.

Exoticism in “Western” Fashion

• Luxury and opulence of “Orient” in European imagination.

• Borrowed “Oriental” types of fabric; textile prints; cuts and lines; decorative elements, etc.

Early XXth-cent. Fashion Magazines

Early XXth-cent. Fashion Illustrations

Japonophilia in fashion

Japanese = “exotic,” “strange,” “of exquisite taste.”

Accessories

“Geta” and “Tabi” Shoes

Handbags

Jewelry

Japonesque Geometric Lines

Japonesque Minimalism

Exaggerated Japonesque Lavishness

Samurai Outfit

Samurai-inspired Men’s Fashion

Japonesque Patterns and Colour

Japonesque Make-up