Question

What is the Japanese word for "space" that is used to convey the sense that a sound and the space surrounding a sound are both important and both appreciated? Ma is an aesthetic concept that is applied to several Japanese arts, including architecture and interior design. Which of the following is NOT an example of Ma in Japanese art?

(A) A traditional Japanese tea house with a tokonoma alcove for displaying art
(B) A bonsai tree with its carefully pruned branches and leaves
(C) A Japanese ikebana flower arrangement with its emphasis on negative space
(D) A traditional Japanese landscape painting with its use of empty space to create a sense of depth

Answer 1

The Japanese word for 'space' in art that appreciates both sound and the space around it is 'Ma.' Option (B) is NOT an example of Ma in Japanese art, while the other options are. Ma emphasizes the balance between positive and negative space, rather than the intricate details or craftsmanship.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Japanese word for 'space' that conveys the appreciation of both sound and the space surrounding it is 'Ma.' Ma is an aesthetic concept applied to several Japanese arts, including architecture and interior design. It refers to the concept of creating a balance between positive and negative space, where empty space is as important as filled space.

Out of the examples given, option (B) 'A bonsai tree with its carefully pruned branches and leaves' is NOT an example of Ma in Japanese art. While bonsai trees demonstrate meticulous craftsmanship, the emphasis on Ma lies in the balance between positive and negative space, not in the intricate pruning of the tree itself.