How are natural elements and landscapes typically represented in Japanese painting, and what techniques or symbolism are commonly used to convey these themes?
What is the significance of the tea ceremony in Japanese culture, and how is its aesthetic philosophy reflected in related art forms like ceramics and ikebana (flower arranging)?
What role did the Edo period play in the development and popularization of Japanese art forms, and how are those influences seen in today's cultural landscape?
How did the Heian period (794-1185) influence the development of traditional Japanese art, particularly in the creation of iconic works like emakimono (illustrated handscrolls)?
In what ways did Zen Buddhism affect the aesthetics and themes found in Japanese art during the Kamakura (1185-1333) and Muromachi (1336-1573) periods, particularly in ink painting and garden design?