Japanese artwork and artists had a substantial influence on many people in the West. Japanese techniques impacted a lot of Western art, particularly European and French art. Numerous artists, such as Edgar Degas, were fascinated with this new, exotic look. Degas, who was of the most renowned artists of the eighteenth century, was a French Impressionist artist. His techniques showed a glimpse of Japan to France, and to anyone who viewed his work. This fascination with all things Japanese began around 1835 and is called Japonisme.1 After years of keeping their borders closed to trade, Japan reopened them in 1835. This decision was made largely because Japan needed to trade with the West. The West was prosperous, and Japan wanted to open itself up to take part in that. Trade with the West quickly progressed. Japanese works quickly gained popularity in Europe. Ukiyo-e woodprint blocks were particularly sought after. Everything Japanese was popular. The technical term for this is Japonisme.2 Many European artists were inspired by Japanese works. Some even incorporated certain aspects of these works into their own art. Japan had an incredible influence on the West. Japanese art and clothing were in used in European works. Painting formats even changed, and the West began using repeated motifs, which is a…show more content… Much of art is the cafes, shops, streets, and theaters of Paris.10 While his muse was Paris, he was heavily by Japanese artists and their
