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What visual and formal aspects of Japanese architecture were admired and why?

User Mishac
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Final answer:

Japanese architecture is admired for its visual and formal aspects, including the use of linear perspective in woodblock prints. The incorporation of Japanese aesthetics, focusing on the small and impermanent, is another admired aspect. Additionally, the use of decorative elements like gold leaf adds to the overall appreciation of Japanese architecture.

Step-by-step explanation:

Japanese architecture is admired for its unique visual and formal aspects. One of these aspects is the use of linear perspective, which can be seen in Japanese woodblock prints like Katsushika Hokusai's famous prints 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa' and 'Nihonbashi in Edo.' These prints demonstrate Hokusai's knowledge of linear perspective, as the rows of houses in the prints recede uniformly and accurately toward a vanishing point.

Another admired aspect of Japanese architecture is the incorporation of Japanese aesthetics. Japanese aesthetics often focus on the small and impermanent, such as cherry blossoms and tea ceremonies, as opposed to grandiose masterpieces favored by traditional European aesthetics. This emphasis on everyday aesthetics is a moral and religious form of self-cultivation.

Lastly, the use of decorative elements like gold leaf on panels and screens is another admired aspect of Japanese architecture. These decorative elements reflect light in darker environments, allowing the nobility to showcase their wealth in limited natural lighting conditions.

User Elmiomar
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