Back to Words Spun Out of Images: Visual and Literary Culture in Nineteenth Century Japan
The University of Tokyo

Words Spun Out of Images: Visual and Literary Culture in Nineteenth Century Japan

This course explores how Japanese painters, poets, novelists, and photographers of the nineteenth century collaborated to depict 'real life,' a practice distinct from their European contemporaries. Learners will gain a clear understanding of how society and individuals were represented in early modern Japan. The course highlights the unique combination of Japanese visual and literary culture, where texts inspired images and images were inscribed with poems. Interpreting this indivisibility is key to understanding the social and psychological values embedded in Japanese art. By the end of this course, you will be able to: - Understand Japanese artistic collaboration in the nineteenth century. - Analyze representations of society and individuals in early modern Japan. - Interpret combined visual and literary Japanese cultures. - Re-evaluate artistic realism through a Japanese historical lens. This course is for students, researchers, and enthusiasts of Japanese art, history, and cultural studies. No specific software or tools are required. A general interest in art history or cultural studies is beneficial.

Status: Art History
Status: Research
BeginnerCourse26 hours

Featured reviews

GR

5.0Reviewed Dec 26, 2020

This course was highly educational, as well as deeply interesting. I was not previously educated on the literature or culture of Japanese society and found it still very clear and welcoming,

CY

5.0Reviewed Jan 8, 2025

Easy to read and view lectures, clear photography, slides and personable presentation. Paced nicely for each module, variety of presentation ways.

LS

5.0Reviewed Apr 19, 2021

Great course for anyone new to Japanese visual and literary culture. The instructor is clear, engaging and incredibly knowledgeable on the topic.

MK

4.0Reviewed May 2, 2021

Robert Cambell is clearly knowledgeable and very motivated to share his knowledge to others. Sometimes he deviates from his main topic and that makes it difficult to keep track of his main point.

HL

5.0Reviewed Oct 15, 2017

Great course, excellent teaching by sensei. ALthough subtitles sometimes are wrongly interpreted (like 'major restoration' nstead of 'Meiji'

AB

5.0Reviewed Jul 25, 2020

A very inspiring and informative course. Really broadened my ways of viewing not only Japanese art and literature, but also any other form of art from any part of the world.

FP

5.0Reviewed Dec 26, 2020

Thank you for showing us even a glimpse of Japan! I've been very fascinated and mesmerized about their culture. I wish there are more courses available like this. Thank you.

WD

5.0Reviewed Dec 28, 2020

This course provided me a perspective on writing and imagery that I had not considered. A welcome addition to my knowledge of Japan!

YM

5.0Reviewed Nov 30, 2020

It was really fun to learn about the history of such art pieces as well as the notable people behind its creation and influence. Mr. Campbell discussed everything clearly as expected.

DP

5.0Reviewed Oct 8, 2020

Very interesting where I finished the whole course 2 weeks before the due date because I really enjoyed it. I have been a Japan fanatic since middle school so this course is really my cup of tea

NV

5.0Reviewed May 14, 2023

Brilliant analysis, and a deep dive-in into the history of 19th-early 20th century Japan through images and photographs. Absolutely fascinating

JA

5.0Reviewed Dec 15, 2018

i loved it! it was very detailed in terms of historical literature and photographic culture and the narrator really explained everything very well.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 245

David Bartle
1.0
Reviewed Oct 22, 2020
jawaahir almutawakil
5.0
Reviewed Dec 15, 2018
Katrina Lee
3.0
Reviewed Oct 15, 2017
Steve Bamlett
5.0
Reviewed Jun 10, 2018
Sandra Chue
5.0
Reviewed Sep 6, 2019
Vanice Chuong
5.0
Reviewed Jan 10, 2018
Zongpu Li
5.0
Reviewed Jul 10, 2019
Amita Kini-Singh
5.0
Reviewed Apr 15, 2019
Philippe SENEMAUD
4.0
Reviewed May 19, 2019
Gene
3.0
Reviewed May 7, 2020
Deleted Account
5.0
Reviewed Dec 3, 2017
Dominique Pascual
5.0
Reviewed Oct 9, 2020
ZHOU GUANGNAN
3.0
Reviewed May 6, 2019
Tong Jin
3.0
Reviewed Jul 15, 2019
Caelyn McAulay
3.0
Reviewed Apr 15, 2018
Ana Sofía Tavizón Pozos
5.0
Reviewed Dec 9, 2017
Myrna Skertchly
5.0
Reviewed Feb 19, 2023
Olga Bakhshieva
5.0
Reviewed Aug 16, 2021
Yashmine Pauline Macaro
5.0
Reviewed Nov 30, 2020
Carole Young
5.0
Reviewed Jan 9, 2025