Question 1

What are characteristics of Japanese art?

Accepted Answer

There are a variety of different types of Japanese art. One of the oldest and most admired forms of Japanese art is the art of calligraphy, which originated in the sixth or seventh century. Another type of art, ukiyo-e, is the art of the woodblock print, which depicts scenes of female beauties; kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers and more. You’ll find a variety of Japanese artwork from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What are Japanese paintings called?

Accepted Answer

Japanese paintings have many names, based on their style. Works produced after 1900 are known as Nihonga and combine traditional techniques with modern themes. Sumi-e are traditional Japanese ink paintings, while Ukiyo-e are figure and landscape paintings from the 17th to 19th centuries. On 1stDibs, find a range of Japanese art.

Question 3

What is Japanese painting called?

Accepted Answer

Japanese painting is called “nihonga”. This style of painting is characterized by a reduced color palette, a lack of shadows and simple expression. Works in this style are often created with mineral-based paints on scrolls and screens and depict landscapers, women and scenes from Japanese history and culture. You’ll find a wide range of nihonga art on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is Japanese screen painting?

Accepted Answer

Japanese screen painting is the art of creating byōbu, or Japanese screens. Byōbu vary in subject matter and style. The screens are free-standing, portable and decorated with symbolic images or calligraphy. It is common to find byōbu in pairs with at least two panels. Shop a selection of byōbu on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is abstract oil painting?

Accepted Answer

An%20abstract%20oil%20painting%20and%20an%20artwork%20that%20is%20made%20with%20oil%20paint%20on%20a%20medium%20like%20canvas%2C%20wood%20board%2C%20or%20other%20panels%20like%20canvas%20board.%20And%20the%20'abstract'%20term%20refers%20to%20the%20Movement%20%26%20Style%20of%20the%20piece.%20As%20abstraction%20indicates%20a%20departure%20from%20reality%20in%20the%20depiction%20of%20imagery%20in%20art%2C%20the%20artist%20creates%20a%20painting%20where%20the%20subject%2C%20shape%2C%20form%2C%20color%2C%20and%20line%2C%20is%20created%20with%20no%20particular%20references%20of%20the%20world%20but%20as%20a%20composition%20that%20may%20exist%20with%20a%20degree%20of%20independence%20from%20its%20vision.

Question 6

How do you maintain oil paintings?

Accepted Answer

To maintain oil paintings that you purchased for your home, experts suggest that you keep them out of direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sunlight coming in from a window can fade the colors in your painting. Do not hang your oil painting near a heat source or where it can get wet (bathrooms and kitchens are not safe for your oil painting).

You may wish to dust your oil painting so that layers of dust don’t begin to gather on its surface. This should only be considered to remove loose dust. Never spray any chemical substance on your oil painting. Do not use a damp cloth to dust your oil painting. (Again, your painting should not be exposed to moisture.)

To remove loose dust, use a soft brush that measures approximately one to two inches wide with natural-hair bristles. Do not use a dust cloth or a feather duster, as those items may catch or leave threads or feathers behind. Do not apply pressure or dust your painting for an extended period of time.

If you think that your oil painting is considerably dirty or believe that other issues may be at work, experts strongly suggest that you consult with a professional conservator.

Read about how to arrange your wall art and find oil paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 7

How do I identify an oil painting?

Accepted Answer

To identify an oil painting, look closely at its surface. Compared to other paintings, pieces produced in oils usually show off a variety of textures across the canvas, and the paint will appear layered on. If you're looking to determine the name, age or creator of a work, try snapping a photo with your smartphone’s camera and conducting a reverse image search online. Shop a diverse assortment of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 8

Who is the father of oil painting?

Accepted Answer

Jan van Eyck is widely considered by art historians to be the father of oil painting. While the usage of oil paints dates back to 7th-century China, the Flemish painter popularized the material, using oils to produce highly detailed works such as The Arnolfini Portrait. The Northern Renaissance master also influenced many other artists, such as Hugo van der Goes and Gerard David. Shop an assortment of fine art on 1stDibs.

Question 9

When was oil paint invented?

Accepted Answer

Oil paint was invented during the 7th century A.D. The earliest examples of oil paintings have been traced to Afghanistan and depict scenes related to the Buddhist religion. Records dating back to the 12th century indicate that early Christian monks in Europe used oil paints to decorate furniture, and a century later, some artists began finishing tempera paintings with touches of oil paint. It wasn't until the 15th century that oil paints became a common medium for European painters, when Flemish artists like Jan van Eyck began favoring them over tempera. Explore a variety of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 10

How can I spot a Japanese silk painting?

Accepted Answer

A Japanese silk painting is identifiable by its depictions of everyday life and scenes that are abundant with detail. The red seal or chop can also help you determine the artist of the piece. You can shop a collection of expertly vetted Japanese silk paintings from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What makes an oil painting valuable?

Accepted Answer

A few things make an oil painting valuable. Age has a major impact on price, with pieces made over a century ago tending to fetch the highest prices. Who created the painting also matters. The more famous the artist, the higher the selling price for a painting is likely to be. Finally, the condition of the work and whether it is in its original frame will also impact how much it is worth. Find a diverse assortment of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What is the difference between a lithograph and an oil painting?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a lithograph and an oil painting comes down to uniqueness and technique. To produce an oil painting, an artist applies oil-based paints to a canvas or another surface using a brush. The process results in a single work of art. Lithography is a form of printmaking that begins by drawing on or painting on a stone surface with an oil-based substance, such as a greasy crayon or tusche, an oily wash. The stone is then covered with water, which is repelled by the oily areas. Oil-based ink is then applied to the wet stone, adhering only to the oily image. Through lithography, an artist can produce dozens, or even thousands, of copies of a single image. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of lithographs and oil paintings.

Question 13

Does sunlight affect oil paintings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sunlight affects oil paintings. Keep your oil paintings away from direct sunlight.

To maintain oil paintings that you purchased for your home, experts suggest that you keep them out of sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sunlight coming in from a window can fade the colors in your painting. Do not hang your oil painting near a heat source or where it can get wet (bathrooms and kitchens are not safe for your oil painting).

You may wish to dust your oil painting so that layers of dust don’t begin to gather on its surface. This should only be considered to remove loose dust. Never spray any chemical substance on your oil painting. Do not use a damp cloth to dust your oil painting. (Again, your painting should not be exposed to moisture.)

To remove loose dust, use a soft brush that measures approximately one to two inches wide with natural-hair bristles. Do not use a dust cloth or a feather duster, as those items may catch or leave threads or feathers behind. Do not apply pressure or dust your painting for an extended period of time.

If you think that your oil painting is considerably dirty or believe that other issues may be at work, experts strongly suggest that you consult with a professional conservator.

Read about how to arrange your wall art and find oil paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How can I tell if an oil painting is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if your oil painting is authentic, first check the signature of the artist to start your research. Use a magnifying glass to check the texture of the painting, and finally check the back for the painting’s original stretchers. Shop a selection of expertly vetted artwork from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How do you know if an oil painting is valuable?

Accepted Answer

Because the value of an oil painting can vary greatly based on the artist, the subject and the condition of the piece, it's generally best to work with a certified appraiser. A knowledgeable professional can evaluate the piece and estimate its value. Shop a variety of authentic oil paintings from some of the world’s top galleries on 1stDibs.

Question 16

How much are oil paintings worth?

Accepted Answer

Any%20artwork%20is%20worth%20and%20only%20worth%20the%20price%20someone%20is%20willing%20to%20pay%20for%20it%20(unfortunately%2C%20whether%20one%20can%20afford%20it%20or%20not%20is%20another%20story).%20%20Different%20people%20may%20have%20different%20reasons%20to%20attribute%20value%20to%20an%20artwork%2C%20from%20the%20purest%20(falling%20in%20love%20with%20it)%20to%20what%20is%20often%20considered%20as%20the%20most%20vile%20(speculation)%2C%20going%20through%20remembrance%2C%20pride%20of%20ownership%2C%20or%20brag%2C%20among%20other%20reasons.%0A%0AFor%20most%20living%20artists%2C%20the%20price%20of%20the%20artworks%20is%20usually%20set%20by%20the%20artist%20and%2For%20the%20gallery%20which%20represent%20him%20or%20her%2C%20by%20type%20and%20size%20of%20artwork%2C%20and%20corresponds%20to%20an%20equilibrium%20price%20between%20the%20rate%20at%20which%20artworks%20are%20sold%20and%20the%20rate%20at%20which%20new%20artworks%20are%20produced%20by%20the%20artist.%0A%0AFor%20artworks%20from%20dead%20artists%20sold%20by%20professional%20dealers%2C%20the%20price%20is%20often%20based%20on%20auctions%20results%20for%20similar%20pieces%20of%20the%20same%20artists.%0A%0AOil%20paintings%20are%20usually%20pricier%20than%20other%20techniques%20because%20it%20is%20considered%20more%20difficult%20to%20master%2C%20but%20also%20because%20oil%20paintings%20are%20known%20for%20their%20ability%20to%20last%20centuries.

Question 17

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

On 1stdibs, oil paintings cost between $60 and $6,200,000.

Question 18

How do I find an artist of oil paintings?

Accepted Answer

The best place to find oil paintings and discover new artists is at local art galleries. There are also many online art dealers who provide information about artists and sell their works. On 1stDibs, you’ll discover a variety of art styles from master oil painters.

Question 19

How do I find the artist of an oil painting?

Accepted Answer

To find the artist of an oil painting, look on the back of the canvas. Sometimes, you will find the artist’s name and the year of production on the back. If the canvas is in a frame, gently peel away the paper covering the back to access the canvas. In the event you cannot find any identifying information, seek the help of a licensed art appraiser. Shop a selection of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 20

Do oil paintings darken over time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, oil paintings darken over time. As oil paint is made of pigment particles, the range of substances that are used as pigment in oil paint can render certain colors susceptible to aging. Slowing the aging process for an oil painting involves storing your painting properly and keeping the work out of exposed sunlight. Temperature control and humidity are also important in preserving the life of an oil painting and slowing the aging process.

To maintain oil paintings that you purchased for your home, experts suggest that you keep them out of direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sunlight coming in from a window can fade the colors in your painting. Do not hang your oil painting near a heat source or where it can get wet (bathrooms and kitchens are not safe for your oil painting).

You may wish to dust your oil painting so that layers of dust don’t begin to gather on its surface. This should only be considered to remove loose dust. Never spray any chemical substance on your oil painting. Do not use a damp cloth to dust your oil painting. (Again, your painting should not be exposed to moisture.)

To remove loose dust, use a soft brush that measures approximately one to two inches wide with natural-hair bristles. Do not use a dust cloth or a feather duster, as those items may catch or leave threads or feathers behind. Do not apply pressure or dust your painting for an extended period of time.

If you think that your oil painting is considerably dirty or believe that other issues may be at work, experts strongly suggest that you consult with a professional conservator.

Read about how to arrange your wall art and find oil paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 21

Can you use oil paint on wood?

Accepted Answer

You can use oil paint on wood as long as you prep the wood first. The first thing you should do is seal the wood with a primer. Ideally, paint two coats of sealer onto the wood so that the paint doesn't cause the wood to rot over time.

Question 22

How can you tell how old an oil painting is?

Accepted Answer

To tell how old an oil painting is, research the artist who produced it. You can use the mobile app Smartify to snap a photo of the signature on your painting and identify the artist. Read biographical information about the artist online and look at images of their work to estimate the age of your piece. Alternatively, you can get the opinion of a knowledgeable art dealer or certified appraiser. Explore a wide variety of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Oil Paintings Japanese

20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Homare IkedaAbstract Vibrant Oil Painting Japanese American Artist Denver Colorado

1940s Portrait Paintings

Antique Japanese Peasant Worker Oil Painting, 1940

2010s Realist Still-life Paintings

Irina TrushkovaJapanese cherry. Original oil painting, 2021

2010s Impressionist Paintings

Hazel ThomsonWoodlands in Japan [ Shinjuku Gyoen] Painting, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2023

Early 2000s Landscape Paintings

Japanese Lilly Pond oil Landscape Painting #2

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Interior Paintings

Stanislav SidorovFalling Leaves. Old Kyoto, Japan., Oil Painting, 2024

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Sergei InkatovDreams about Japan, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2017

2010s Other Art Style Paintings

John KilduffMy Japanese model railroad collection, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2022

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Sergei InkatovDreams about Japan 2, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2017

2010s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Elena Burykina"Sonem" (2023) - Japanese Armor Realist Still-Life Oil Painting, 2023

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Japanese Floral - Landscape Painting - Oil Paint By Marc Zimmerman, 2020

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Landscape Paintings

Foussa ItayaLarge Surrealist French Japanese European Cityscape Oil painting Foussa Itaya, c.1950 s

2010s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Elena Burykina"Gate Keeper" (2024) - Realist Japanese Armor Still-Life Oil Painting, 2024

2010s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Elena Burykina"Dragon King" (2024) - Realist Japanese Armor Still-Life Oil Painting, 2024

1960s Landscape Paintings

American Impressionist White Landscape Oil Painting Winter in Sapporo Japan

2010s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Elena Burykina"Kawari Kabuto" (2024) - Realist Japanese Armor Still-Life Oil Painting, 2024

20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Yoshio MinomuraJapanese Modern Abstract Some Things of Value Oil Painting

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Delton Demarest"Mystery Japanese Frame" (2024) by Delton Demarest, Original Oil Painting, 2024

2010s Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Christine SoDaybreak Japanese Maple ( 36 x 36 inch Oil painting), 2025

Late 20th Century Contemporary Animal Paintings

PooleHuge Chinoiserie Oil Painting Roaring Tiger Cub Winter Japanese Chinese Style

2010s Abstract Figurative Paintings

Judith BerryOutlook (I Dream of Japan) Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, 2010+, 2012

2010s Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Christine SoSunrise Japanese Maple (Framed 20 x 20 inch Oil painting), 2025

2010s Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Christine SoSunrise Japanese Maple II ( 36 x 36 inch Oil painting), 2025

2010s Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Nadezda Stupina“Bouquet with Japanese maple”Original floral painting in oil . Vertical ., 2025

1980s Fauvist Interior Paintings

Yoshio AoyamaJapanese Fauvist Colorful Oil Painting Chinese Ceramic Jars with Fan and Apple, 1981

2010s Abstract Impressionist Animal Paintings

Eric Alfaro"Dancing in Teal Waters" Colorful Japanese Koi Fish Water Oil Painting Canvas, 2024

2010s Abstract Impressionist Animal Paintings

Eric Alfaro"Pond Life" Colorful Japanese Koi Fish Water Lily Oil Painting on Canvas, 2024

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Paintings and Screens

Morning of Gora Antique Japanese Oil Painting by Masuta Narahara

1960s Modern Abstract Paintings

Akira Kito1963 French Japanese Art Brut Abstract Oil Painting Akira Kito Diable et Rouge, 1963

Vintage 1960s Japanese Showa Paintings and Screens

Portrait of a Lady Japanese Vintage Oil Painting by Yoshito Shibata

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Interior Paintings

Sarah van der Helm"Tea and Cookies" (2014) by Sarah van Der Helm, Oil Japanese Still-Life Painting, 2014

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Hiroshi Honda Signed Japanese American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Oil Painting

2010s Pop Art Figurative Paintings

Charlotte Andry Gibbs"Rising Sun" Japanese Flag POP, Minimal, 23K Gold Leaf /Oil Red and Gold Painting, 2018

1970s Figurative Paintings

M.BurtingJapanese Theater Blue Dancing Figurative Expressionist Painting

1950s Landscape Paintings

Japanese Landscape Painting on Gilt Wood Panel, 1940

2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Nugzar Kakhiani (Kahiani)Japanese Motif, 2018., oil on canvas, 85x90 cm, 2018

20th Century Fauvist Portrait Paintings

Jadviga Zjilvinska The Japanese, 1970. Oil on canvas, 100x70 cm, 1970

Mid-20th Century Japanese Modern Paintings

Koko Fukazawa, Japan, Oil on Canvas, Arrangement with Fruits

Early 20th Century Landscape Paintings

Frank Ernest Beresford (1881-1967) - 1908 Oil, A Japanese Garden, 1908

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Homare Ikeda
Abstract Vibrant Oil Painting Japanese American Artist Denver Colorado

Irina Trushkova
Japanese cherry. Original oil painting, 2021

Hazel Thomson
Woodlands in Japan [ Shinjuku Gyoen] Painting, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2023

Stanislav Sidorov
Falling Leaves. Old Kyoto, Japan., Oil Painting, 2024

Sergei Inkatov
Dreams about Japan, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2017

John Kilduff
My Japanese model railroad collection, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2022

Sergei Inkatov
Dreams about Japan 2, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2017

Elena Burykina
"Sonem" (2023) - Japanese Armor Realist Still-Life Oil Painting, 2023

Foussa Itaya
Large Surrealist French Japanese European Cityscape Oil painting Foussa Itaya, c.1950 s

Elena Burykina
"Gate Keeper" (2024) - Realist Japanese Armor Still-Life Oil Painting, 2024

Elena Burykina
"Dragon King" (2024) - Realist Japanese Armor Still-Life Oil Painting, 2024

Elena Burykina
"Kawari Kabuto" (2024) - Realist Japanese Armor Still-Life Oil Painting, 2024

Yoshio Minomura
Japanese Modern Abstract Some Things of Value Oil Painting

Delton Demarest
"Mystery Japanese Frame" (2024) by Delton Demarest, Original Oil Painting, 2024

Christine So
Daybreak Japanese Maple ( 36 x 36 inch Oil painting), 2025

Poole
Huge Chinoiserie Oil Painting Roaring Tiger Cub Winter Japanese Chinese Style

Judith Berry
Outlook (I Dream of Japan) Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, 2010+, 2012

Christine So
Sunrise Japanese Maple (Framed 20 x 20 inch Oil painting), 2025

Christine So
Sunrise Japanese Maple II ( 36 x 36 inch Oil painting), 2025

Nadezda Stupina
“Bouquet with Japanese maple”Original floral painting in oil . Vertical ., 2025

Yoshio Aoyama
Japanese Fauvist Colorful Oil Painting Chinese Ceramic Jars with Fan and Apple, 1981

Eric Alfaro
"Dancing in Teal Waters" Colorful Japanese Koi Fish Water Oil Painting Canvas, 2024

Eric Alfaro
"Pond Life" Colorful Japanese Koi Fish Water Lily Oil Painting on Canvas, 2024

Akira Kito
1963 French Japanese Art Brut Abstract Oil Painting Akira Kito Diable et Rouge, 1963

Sarah van der Helm
"Tea and Cookies" (2014) by Sarah van Der Helm, Oil Japanese Still-Life Painting, 2014

Charlotte Andry Gibbs
"Rising Sun" Japanese Flag POP, Minimal, 23K Gold Leaf /Oil Red and Gold Painting, 2018

M.Burting
Japanese Theater Blue Dancing Figurative Expressionist Painting

Nugzar Kakhiani (Kahiani)
Japanese Motif, 2018., oil on canvas, 85x90 cm, 2018

Jadviga Zjilvinska
The Japanese, 1970. Oil on canvas, 100x70 cm, 1970

Kazuo Miyoshi
Geometric Abstract , Japanese Mid-century Oil, Saitama, Hanno City, Iwasawa, Circa 1965

Simona Zecca
Japan in Gold - Okurimono - Oil Paint by Simona Zecca - 2022, 2022

B. Rigaudiere
Japanese Bridge Monet s Waterlily Pond Giverny Signed French Impressionist Oil

B. Rigaudiere
Japanese Bridge Monet s Waterlily Pond Giverny, Signed French Impressionist Oil

Tsuneo Takashima
Venice , Paris, San Francisco, Tokyo Sogenkai, Japan, Large Venetian Vedute Oil, 1968

Kenji Yoshida
Amithaba, Kenji Yoshida, nihonga paintings, gold silver copper leaf Japanese

Simon Kozhin
Japanese Garden, 2000

Kenji Yoshida
La Vie, Kenji Yoshida, Nihonga, Japanese, painting, gold, silver, copper, blue, 1990

Kenji Yoshida
Revelation, Kenji Yoshida, Nihonga, painting, Japan, Paris, gold, silver, black

Wijnand Driessen
Osaka in the Rain - 21st Century contemporary realistic painting of Japan, 2025

Shizico Yi
Original-Gold leaf-oil-Foxglove-British Awarded Artist-Impasto-Japanese inspired, 2025

Elena Bulatova
Japanese girl with a fan, Impressionism, oil on canvas, ready display, interior, 2024

Robert McIntosh
Japanese Farm, 1937

Igor Volkov-Tkachinskiy
"Japanese warrior", 2025

Elena Lukina
Japanese Spitz puppy, 2021

Matthew Bober
Reflection, Contemporary Photorealist Painting of Japanese Figure Vervet Skull, 2015