Japanese Art Flashcards
How did Buddhism arrive and gain influence in Japan? What are Japan’s aesthetic similarities and differences from other regions where Buddhism flourished?
Buddhism arrived to Japan from China and Korea. Pure Land Buddhism, which promised salvation after death through faith in the existence of the Western Paradise of the Pure Land, became popular.
What role does time play in devotion at the Ise shrine?
Renewal every 20 years since the Yayoi period. The rebuilding of the shrine represents the regeneration and purification of life, much as the seasons change. This rebuilding presents a problem: how to date the shrine?
What are the possible interpretations of animal personifications in Toba Sojo’s handscroll?
The animals in the work could be satires of Heian people.
Inner shrine at Ise
Ise, Mie Prefecture. Yayoi Period. Last rebuilt in 1993. This shrine to Amaterasu is rebuilt every 20 years. Access is severely restricted. There are two precincts, side by side and when the new one is built on one side, the one built on the old side is taken down. Ancient but always being renewed. How do we date the work? The regeneration represents one of the most important aspects of the shinto faith: ritual purification. Similar to the cycle of the seasons in that pure new life emerges in the springtime and dies in the winter, yet is reborn year after year.
Shaka Triad
Tori Busshi. Main Hall of Horyu-ji. Asuka period, Gilt bronze. Among the earliest examples of Japanese Buddhist sculpture. This was commissioned by an Empress when the Prince fell ill; when he died, she dedicated it to him and his hopefully good next life.
Main Compound of Horyu-ji
Nara Prefecture, Asuka Period. During the Asuka period, Buddhism arrived to Japan from Korea and China. Horyu-ji is the most important early Japanese Buddhist temple that survives. The main compound consists of a rectangular courtyard with covered courtyards; inside are two Chinese-style buildings, a kondo/golden hall, a pagoda. The pagoda is a reliquary and is not entered.
Tale of Genji (The Eastern Cottage)
Heian Period (12th century). Handscroll, ink, and colors on paper. The Tale of Genji evoked the Japanese conception of the fleeting nature of life. Among the earliest extant secular paintings in a new Japanese style called yamato-e.
Tale of Genji (The Oak Tree)
Heian Period. Handscroll, ink, and colors on paper. In this scene, Genji holds a baby boy that his wife gave birth to. The baby was actually fathered by another noble, but Genji doesn’t complain because he has been unfaithful to Nyosan. The child’s true father has died. Underlying the seemingly happy scene are ironic undercurrents of sorrow. Genji himself is the illegitimate son of the emperor. The figures are squeezed into a small area of the image by a screen; this illustrates how the characters have been forced into situations by the restrictions of courtly life.
Frolicking Animals
Toba Sojo. Heian period. Handscroll, ink on paper. Features animals behaving in a human-like manner. He satirized Buddhist priests and courtly Japanese life through his playful set of drawings. In once scene, for example, a monkey dressed in priest’s robes prays ostentatiously to a frog dressed as Buddha. Critical but comical social commentary.
Phoenix Hall at Byodo-in
Kyoto Prefecture. Heian period. The principal building of the Byodo-in Pure Land Buddhism temple complex. Its name refers not only to the phoenix images on its roof, but also to the shape of the building. Thin columns give a sense of airiness.
Amida Buddha at Byodo-in
Jocho. Heian period. Gold leaf and lacquer wood. The central image of Amida Buddha at Byodo-in. Was created using a joined-block method, which allowed sculptors to create larger and lighter statues. Also shows the growing importance of wood as the medium of choice for Japanese Buddhist structure.
