How do Japanese woodblock prints reflect the beliefs or customs of the culture?

Responses

They include Shinto writings that discuss the importance of family.

They include Shinto writings that discuss the importance of family.

They were strongly influenced by Classical Greek artworks.

They were strongly influenced by Classical Greek artworks.

They represent the Buddhist belief in the transience of life.

They represent the Buddhist belief in the transience of life.

They represent the strict rules of the ruling shogun military.

1 answer

Japanese woodblock prints, particularly during the Edo period, serve as a rich reflection of cultural beliefs and customs. Among the options you've listed, the most relevant response would be:

They represent the Buddhist belief in the transience of life.

This concept, known as "mono no aware," is a key aspect of Japanese aesthetics and philosophy, emphasizing the beauty in the impermanence of life. Many woodblock prints depicted seasonal changes, fleeting moments, and scenes that evoke a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the ephemeral nature of existence.

Additionally, while Shinto beliefs and the customs tied to family might be depicted in certain works, the overall body of woodblock prints more prominently reflects the Buddhist influences in their themes and subject matter.

The other options regarding the influence of Classical Greek artworks or the strict rules of the ruling shogun military do not accurately capture the primary cultural reflections found in Japanese woodblock prints.