Go
is more than simply the world's oldest game. In Japan, China, and Korea
Go was regarded as one of the martial arts in the training of warriors,
a tool of inquiry and discipline for philosophers, and also one of the
four arts (along with music, painting, and calligraphy) that were marks
of refinement among the nobility. As a central cultural endeavor Go
was frequently invoked in literature and poetry and often appeared as
the subject or a backdrop in the graphic arts. The creation of Go stones,
bowls, and elaborately decorated Go boards also became a highly developed
art form.
The
IGS Art Gallery presents a large and varied selection of classical Japanese
and Chinese paintings based on Go themes, all from before the 19th century.
Many of these works are considered masterpieces in their own right,
notably the ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) of the Japanese Edo period as
well as some exquisite ink-on-silk paintings. The viewer is invited
to savor the subtlety and richness of colors and the mixture of elegant
simplicity and intricate complexity of the artists' styles. The diversity
of the collection offers constant surprises, from the serene calm of
mountain scenery to the tumult of samurai battling demons, from the
elegance of famous courtesans to the whimsy of dancing cats. Besides
their intrinsic beauty, these paintings offer a rare view of life in
distant centuries.
Beneath
the surface of the pictures are other treats for the Go enthusiast.
Embedded in several of the images are collections of tsume-go (life
and death) problems - clicking anywhere will bring up a challenging
Go exercise. Some pictures are accompanied by accounts of historical
events, legends, and classical literary works. And as Go mirrors life,
there is also some humor. Every club and championship match has a few
spectators willing to share their suggestions for better moves with
everyone present. A few of these characters can be found hiding in the
background here and there in the gallery. |
