The correct option is Japan.
Explanation
The Bengal School of Art emerged in the early 20th century as a nationalist movement aimed at reviving Indian artistic heritage. It sought to create a distinct modern Indian aesthetic by rejecting Western academic realism and synthesizing Indian themes with broader Asian artistic techniques.
Origin of the Wash Technique:
- The 'wash technique' is a defining characteristic of the Bengal School style. It involves alternately wetting the paper and applying thin layers of watercolor to achieve a soft, misty, and atmospheric effect, distinct from the sharp lines of miniature paintings or the heavy oils of Western art.
- This technique was adapted from Japanese art traditions (specifically the Nihonga school).
- Abanindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengal School, learned and adapted this method from Japanese artists Yokoyama Taikan and Hishida Shunso, who visited India in the early 1900s. This exchange was part of a larger Pan-Asian cultural dialogue.
Key Takeaway: The 'wash technique' utilized by the Bengal School was a result of the influence of Japanese painting traditions on Indian artists like Abanindranath Tagore.