Higashiyama culture

It originated and was promoted in the 15th century by the shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, after he retired to his villa in the eastern hills (東山 Higashiyama) of capital city Kyoto.

The Ashikaga Shogunate of the 14th century renewed diplomatic relations with Ming Dynasty China under Yoshinori, in an overtly vassal relationship.

[1] Based largely on the ideals and aesthetics of Zen Buddhism, especially those temples under the Five Mountain System, and the concept of wabi-sabi, Higashiyama culture centered on the development of chadō (Japanese tea ceremony), ikebana (flower arranging), Noh drama, and sumi-e ink painting.

[3] Among the figures who influenced the Higashiyama culture are the following: The Tōgu-Dō building structure includes a shoin-style room called the Dōjinsai.

The great ink-painter Sesshū Tōyō spent much time at the Ginkaku-ji, and this period also saw the birth of the Kanō school of Japanese painting as well as an early version of the chanoyu tea ceremony.

Silver Pavilion ( Ginkaku ) and garden of Jishō-ji , the residence of the Ashikaga shōgun in the Higashiyama hills of Kyoto
Shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimasa , who developed the Higashiyama culture (painting by Tosa Mitsunobu , latter half of 15th century)
Interior of the Kuri, the main building of the Ryōan-ji, featuring elements of traditional Japanese style culture such as washitsu ( fusuma , tatami , and shōji ) which were stylized in the Higashiyama culture
Karesansui of Ryōan-ji