What role does Japanese calligraphy play in the broader context of Japanese visual arts, and how do its techniques and styles differ from Chinese calligraphy?
How do traditional Japanese arts like ikebana (flower arranging) and tea ceremony embody the principles of wabi-sabi, and how are these concepts reflected in their practice?
What are the distinctive features of Japanese woodblock printing, and how did artists like Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige contribute to its evolution?
What role does symbolism play in Japanese art, particularly in the use of motifs such as cherry blossoms, cranes, and dragons, and how have these symbols evolved over time?
How does contemporary Japanese art balance traditional elements with modern influences, and who are some notable contemporary Japanese artists exemplifying this blend?
How has the concept of wabi-sabi influenced traditional Japanese aesthetics, and can you provide examples of this influence in specific art forms or works?
