Thomas Hobbes

In the early 1700s, the monarchies failures at finance, national debt, involvement in multiple wars with

little care given to veterans and rising unemployment inflamed the people. When coupled with the

monarchies lifestyles of lavish spending on countless mistresses, flouting morals, excessive parties at

court, and political favors, the popularity of royalty was quickly disintegrating. The irresponsibility of

the aristocracy was no longer ignored, and a movement was beginning. This set the stage for political

change.

Writers such as Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) and John Locke (1632-1704) of England experienced these changes and began exploring the ideals of republicanism and liberalism through their writing. Thus, England began an intellectual movement called the Age of Enlightenment. Intellectuals became skeptical of older belief systems rooted in rituals, traditions, and superstitions and, instead, began to believe in the power of humans for goodness and rationalization and, that through rationalization, all things could be achieved. With this reason, it was...Throughout many centuries, art has portrayed an exceedingly dominant role in Japanese culture. These forms of artwork varied from everything from pottery to clay figurines. Overall, the majority of Japanese art was and still is considered to be of high importance in Japanese history. However, the most intriguing and unique form of art was the Isho-ningyo and Iki-ningyo dolls, otherwise known as the "fashion doll" and the "living doll". Both the Isho-ningyo and the Iki-ningyo were merely two of the plentiful assortment of dolls created by the famous Japanese artisan, Goyo Hirata, as items of "luxurious indulgence." The Kintaro doll of Isho-ningyo type or Iko-ningyo type illustrates the significant advancements in Japanese doll art throughout history with the newfound technologies and composition attributed in each period.

Japanese art has been practiced since 4,000 BC, otherwise known as the Jomon period. The Jomon is particularly known for creating the first forms of Japanese pottery. Although the Jomon period was thought to produce relatively simple artwork, the people of the Jom...

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...t characteristics because of their complexity in structure and overall appearance. Each Japanese period contributes the steps towards the qualities that make up modern Japanese art, but the particular artwork of the Isho-ningyo and the Iki¬ningyo are the greatest contributors.

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