classicism; primitivism
Refers to an artistic or intellectual movement that values ancient or primitive styles, often in contrast to modern or decadent trends. The term can cover both classicism (admiration for classical antiquity) and primitivism (idealization of pre-civilized or early cultures).
His paintings show a strong influence of classicism/primitivism.
Classicism idealized the art of ancient Greece and Rome.
古典主義 is a more common term for classicism, especially in the context of Western art and literature. 尚古主義 is less frequent and can also imply primitivism or a broader reverence for the ancient.
原始主義 explicitly means primitivism, focusing on the idealization of primitive or tribal art. 尚古主義 can overlap but is not limited to primitive cultures.
Compound of 尚古 (shouko, 'reverence for the ancient') + 主義 (shugi, '-ism'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the term likely emerged in modern Japanese to translate Western concepts of classicism and primitivism.