Glossary of Terms

Fenollosa, Ernest F. (1853-1908): Harvard graduate who went to Japan in 1878 to lecture on philosophy, political science, and economics. As a great supporter of Japanese traditional art, he helped establish the system for classifying National Treasures.

Fontanesi, Antonio (1818-1881): an Italian painter working in the Barbizon style. Came from the Turin Royal Academy of Art; was invited to teach at the Kôbu Daigaku Bijutsu Gakkô. A great influence on early Japanese Western-style painting.

Fox (kitsume): often considered to be an evil creature, capable of demonic possession; but also the popular representation of Inari, the benign god of rice.

Fujikawa: the river (73 miles long) that flows from the west of Mt. Fuji and empties into Suruga Bay.

Fujiwara: the ruling family of Japan in the Heian period (10th and 11th centuries).

Fukei-za: a landscape print or painting.

Fukko yamato-e: the conscious revival of yamato-e painting in the 19th century.

Fukujuso: adonis plant (symbol of New Year).

Fukusei: a reproduction; facsimile.

Fukusuke: a humorous figure, symbolizing prosperous business.

Fumi: writings, letters.

Furoshiki: a cloth used for wrapping objects to be carried.

Fusuma: sliding doors, made on a wooden frame and covered with thick paper that is sometimes decorated with paintings or calligraphy. The doors can either divide rooms or close off cupboards.