JAPAN BEFORE 1333 GARDNER Chapter 8 pp. 207-214

JAPAN BACKGROUND Japan is one of the few countries in the world to have never been successfully invaded Relatively sheltered Japanese archipelago -> infrequent foreign interference -> traditional arts Commodore Perry opened Japan to outside influence in 1854 Ukiyo-e prints were the first great Japanese artistic export

PATRONAGE AND ARTISTIC LIFE Artists worked on commission Royal court and service of religion two of the greatest sources of patronage Masters ran workshops w/assistants -> family businesses Painting -> highly esteemed Aristocrats of both sexes learned to paint

ZEN BUDDHISM Zen is a school of Buddhism imported to Japan from China in 12th century Zen rejects worldliness, collection of goods for their own sake, physical adornment Centered on -> austerity, self- control, courage, and loyalty Meditation is the key to enlightenment Zen teaches through intuition and introspection Warriors and artists adopt a Zen philosophy

JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE AND SCULPTURE Austerity of Zen philosophy is reflected in simplicity of Japanese architecture Traditional structure -> single story, made of wood, meant to harmonize with its natural environment Wood is undressed Support pillars for roof widely spaced Floors raised to above ground -> reduces humidity, provides air flow Eaves are long -> shades interior Steeply pitched roofs -> quick runoff of snow and rain Interiors -> sliding screens, and floor mats

SHINTO The early beliefs and practices of pre-Buddhist Japan form a belief system later called “Shinto” Shintoism believes in the sacredness of spirits inherent in nature Japan is heavily forested and rocky terrained -> thus wood is a natural choice for buildings and stone is for Zen gardens

BUDDHIST JAPAN Asuka period (552-645 CE) Japan’s ruling elite embraces major elements of continental Asian culture Chinese writing, Confucianism, and Buddhism become established in Japan Nara period (645-784) a centralized government replaces the clans that controlled different regions For a half century after 552 there is resistance to Buddhism -> but after this it is firmly established The older practices and practices that come to be called Shinto continue to have significance

FLASHCARD Means “Great Eastern” Temple -> located on the eastern edge of the city of Nara, Japan Noted for -> colossal seated image of the Vairocana Buddha Temple and Buddha were destroyed several times during military unrest Seven external bays on façade Largest wooden building in the world (8-197/1) TODAI-JI Nara, Japan Various artists, including sculptors Unkei and Keikei, as well as the Kei School 743 C.E.; rebuilt c. 1700 Bronze and wood (sculpture); wood with ceramic tile roofing (architecture)

FLASHCARD Largest metal statue of Buddha in the world Monumental feat of casting Emperor Shomu commissioned it in 743 -> designed to show the power, piety and prestige of the Imperial House Mudras -> right hand means “do not fear”; left hand means “welcome” (8-197/2) TODAI-JI – GREAT BUDDHA Nara, Japan Various artists, including sculptors Unkei and Keikei, as well as the Kei School 743 C.E.; rebuilt c. 1700 Bronze and wood (sculpture); wood with ceramic tile roofing (architecture) FLASHCARD

(8-197/3) TODAI-JI – NIO GUARDIAN STATUE Nara, Japan Various artists, including sculptors Unkei and Keikei, as well as the Kei School 743 C.E.; rebuilt c. 1700 Bronze and wood (sculpture); wood with ceramic tile roofing (architecture) FLASHCARD Wooden sculptures located on either side of the gate Complex woodblock construction -> fashioned of cypress wood; over eight meters tall Examples of the Kei School of sculpting Intricate swirling draper; fierce forbidding looks and gestures; muscular powerful bodies This figure -> Ungyo

(8-197/4) TODAI-JI – NIO GUARDIAN STATUE Nara, Japan Various artists, including sculptors Unkei and Keikei, as well as the Kei School 743 C.E.; rebuilt c. 1700 Bronze and wood (sculpture); wood with ceramic tile roofing (architecture) This figure is called Agyo He stands opposite the other guardian figure at the gates Both protect the Buddha FLASHCARD

FLASHCARD (8-197/5) TODAI-JI - GATE Nara, Japan Various artists, including sculptors Unkei and Keikei, as well as the Kei School 743 C.E.; rebuilt c. 1700 Bronze and wood (sculpture); wood with ceramic tile roofing (architecture) “Nandaimon” = great south gate -> five bays, three central for passing and two closed; two stories; deep eaves; roof supported by huge pillars; overall effect is proportion and stateliness