Differences between Chinese and Japanese Spring Paintings

Chinese spring paintings have an early origin, dating back to the pre-Qin period, with a history of more than 2,000 years. Japanese spring paintings, on the other hand, were influenced by Chinese spring paintings during the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, Chinese spring paintings can be regarded as the originator of Japanese spring paintings. In terms of themes, Chinese spring paintings are more inclined to motifs that symbolize auspiciousness and festivity, such as plum, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum and other plants that symbolize purity and fortitude, as well as longevity and happiness, such as longevity peaches and bats. These motifs reflect the Chinese desire for a fulfilling life, longevity and family prosperity. In contrast, Japanese spring paintings focus more on the representation of natural landscapes and everyday life, such as landscapes, cherry blossoms, and tea ceremonies. In terms of technique, Chinese spring paintings usually employ delicate brushwork and emphasize on detailing to show richness and delicate emotions. Japanese spring paintings, on the other hand, focus more on clean and generalized lines, often employing ukiyo-e techniques to show a unique Japanese flavor.