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The first color education in Japan
Author(s) -
Ogata Kohji
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
color research and application
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.393
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1520-6378
pISSN - 0361-2317
DOI - 10.1002/col.5080110408
Subject(s) - meiji period , modernization theory , civilization , government (linguistics) , economic history , history , object (grammar) , political science , ancient history , law , philosophy , linguistics
The Meiji era (1868–1912) stands out as a period of radical modernization in Japan. For this reason, the Meiji Government paid special attention to the introduction of Western culture and civilization into modern Japanese society. Irozu (Color Chart) as the first attempt at color education in Japan resulted from one of these attempts at modernization. Iro‐zu was a direct copy of Willson's Charts for object lessons which were prevalent in the United States at that time. Willson's Charts themselves had been substantiated by color science in the Western world, especially the works of the English chemist Field and the French chemist Chevreul. On the contrary, Iro‐zu education almost abandoned the scientific meanings which Willson's Charts carried. According to the reformation of the educational system in 1879, Iro‐zu education was gradually reduced. Though Iro‐zu education lasted only five or six years, it has great importance as it marks the beginning of color education in Japan.