The Use of Smalt in the Japanese Folk Paintings, Doro-e and Megane-e (Vue d'Optique)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Doro-e refers to a genre of Japanese folk paintings: it is a group of works, likely to be produced from the mid-eighteenth to the nineteenth century, that emerged during a time when some of the techniques of European paintings, such as vanishing point, perspective, and mirror image were being incorporated into traditional Japanese paintings. Indeed, doro-e paintings played an important role in familiarising the Japanese public with these new techniques. However, the process of painting doro-e including materials and painting techniques used has not been interpreted, and the definition of doro-e remains elusive. This article begins by exploring Kamigata doro-e, particularly megane-e (vue d'optique), which was painted in the initial period of doro-e works. Materials analysis indicates the use of smalt, which is not often found in traditional Japanese paintings. Indigo was also used to depict landscapes, indicating that traditional blue dye was still the preferred colour for European-influenced paintings during the Edo period (1603–1868). This study also discusses the application of gold-coloured outlines identified as brass. A diversity of colourants and techniques was used in doro-e, a fact that is not reflected in the current definition regarding doro-e, and is discussed in this article.