Japanese Art and Poetry: Influence of China (Middle Kingdom)Lee Jay WalkerModern Tokyo TimesMaruyama Ōkyo (1733–1795) demonstrated remarkable innovation in his approach to artistic media, exerting a substantial influence on the Japanese art world during the Edo period. His work reflects a synthesis of visual traditions, drawing from native Japanese aesthetics, Chinese (Middle Kingdom) artistic conventions, and a limited exposure to Western art forms. Sōami’s artistic vision was profoundly shaped by the aesthetics of the Chinese Southern School and the philosophical tenets of Zen Buddhism. This confluence of Chinese influence and Zen thought informed his lifelong dedication to the ideals of refined artistic and intellectual expression. Modern Tokyo News is part of the Modern Tokyo Times grouphttp://moderntokyotimes.com Modern Tokyo Times – International News and Japan Newshttp://sawakoart.com – Sawako Utsumi’s website and Modern Tokyo Times artisthttps://moderntokyonews.com Modern Tokyo News – Tokyo News and International NewsPLEASE JOIN ON TWITTERhttps://twitter.com/MTT_News Modern Tokyo TimesPLEASE JOIN ON FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/moderntokyotimes