Painting is undoubtedly the most popular of all Japanese art forms, and one of the most studied. Japanese painting can be both elegantly simple and stunningly complex, and its influence can be seen in the paintings of all cultures. The Japanese painting style we know today was greatly influenced by Chinese painting styles. During the Muromachi period (1338-1573), Japan was opened to increased trade with China, and Chinese paintings began making their way into the homes of wealthy Japanese noblemen. The noblemen developed a taste for the Chinese paintings, and began to commission works in this style. Japanese artists didn't copy the Chinese style outright, they blended it with Japanese tastes and made it their own.
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