The theme of “Japanese Paintings” understood by manga: If you understand the theme, the art exhibition will be even more enjoyable!

This book uses manga to explain popular subjects that Japanese people have repeatedly painted since ancient times, from Buddhist paintings to Chinese hermits and heroes, Japanese myths and stories, people, nature, and more.

If you can understand the content of the paintings, you can also understand the message of the artists, their sense of fun, and the feelings of the people.

Excerpts from the Table of Contents
What are the themes of Japanese paintings?

Chapter 1: Themes of Buddhist paintings you should know
Nirvana, Mandala of the Two Realms, Amida Raigo-zu, etc.

Chapter 2: Zen’s Eccentric Saints
Daruma, Hotei, Xianzi heshang, etc.

Chapter 3 Chinese Immortals
Zhong Kui, Chrysanthemum Ji Tong, Long Hands and Long Legs, etc.

Chapter 4: Chinese historical events and personalities
Tai Gong Wang/Wuling Tao Yuan/Three Patronages, etc.

Chapter 5 Japanese Figures
Prince Shotoku / Kakimoto no Hitomaro, etc.

Chapter 6: Japanese myths and legends
Ama-no-Iwato/Yamata no Orochi /Shuten-doji, etc.

Chapter 7 Stories and ancient poems
Tales of Ise, Tale of Genji, Tale of the Heike, etc.

Chapter 8 Famous Places and Poem Pillows
Fuji and Miho no Matsubara / Amanohashidate / Matsushima, etc.

Chapter 9 Trees and animals
Pine trees, plum trees, elephants, etc.

Chapter 10 Fantastic Spiritual Beasts and Monsters
Dragons, phoenixes, kappa, etc.

Convincing! Themes of Japanese paintings
Afterword
A guide to museums and collections where you can enjoy Japanese paintings more