Encountering the Imaginary: Félix Régamey in Japan and the Legacy of Japonisme

This thesis critically examines Félix Régamey’s transformative role in the development of Japonisme, highlighting his pivotal contribution to bridging Western perceptions and authentic Japanese culture during the late nineteenth century. Through an exploration of his firsthand experiences in Japan, Régamey emerges as a multifaceted and paradoxical figure—an artist, educator, and author—whose pursuits reshaped the narrative of Japanese art and cultural exchange in France amid the fervor of Japonisme. His immersion in Japanese society enabled him to engage directly with its artistic traditions, which he skillfully translated for European audiences. This study reveals Régamey’s efforts to challenge the prevailing Orientalist stereotypes that misrepresented Asian cultures. By fostering a deeper appreciation of Japanese art, he promoted a more nuanced and respectful dialogue between cultures. However, Régamey’s efforts were unsuccessful in part because of his desire to find a compromise between the revolutionary modernists, who were appropriating Japanese aesthetics, and the traditionalists, who were not interested in them. Ultimately, this thesis aims to rectify the historical oversight of Régamey’s influence and assess his legacy as a crucial figure in bridging cultural divides and enriching artistic discourse in the nineteenth century.