For to the Far Oriental all nature is sympathetically sentient.

His admiration, instead of being centred on man, embraces the universe.

His art reflects it.
Leaving out of consideration, for the moment, minor though still important distinctions in tone, treatment, and technique, the great fundamental difference between Western and Far Eastern art lies in its attitude toward humanity.
With us, from the time of the Greeks to the present day, man has been the cynosure of artistic eyes; with them he has never been vouchsafed more than a casual, not to say a cursory glance, even woman failing to rivet his attention.

One of our own writers has said that, without passing the bounds of due respect, a man is permitted two looks at any woman he may meet, one to recognize, one to admire.

A Japanese ordinarily never dreams of taking but one,--if indeed he goes so far as that,--the first.