Nise-e (似絵), or "likeness pictures," were a style of portraiture popular in the court circles of Japan's Kamakura period. Prior to the 12th century Japanese art was purely religious in character, but nise-e introduced the realistic depiction of lay figures such as courtiers and samurai.
Nise-e, or "likeness pictures," were a style of portraiture popular in the court circles during Japan's Kamakura period. Before the 12th century, Japanese art was solely religious in nature, but nise-e brought about realistic portrayals of common figures like courtiers and samurai.