Japan Before 1333

The Jomon Period: 10,500-300 BCE The earliest art producing culture was called jomon (cord markings) due to the techniques used to decorate pottery. Neolithic Jomon potters favored incised lines and complex coiling over painted details.

The Yayoi Period: 300 BCE-300 CE Yayoi artisans fashioned dotaku, unique bronze bells that display distinctive Han Chinese influence. These bells, which ranged in size from a few inches to 4 feet, were ceremonial objects often left at graves. Simple geometric line drawings of everyday activities mark the earliest example of Japanese pictorial art.

Kofun Period: 300-552 The Kofun period is named after the enormous burial mounds, or tumuli, that grew dramatically in number and size during this time. This tumulus has the distinct key shaped pattern common during the Kofun era. It is the burial site of Emperor Nintoku. The treasures contained inside show considerable connections to China and Korea.

Placed around tumuli were unglazed ceramic sculptures called haniwa Placed around tumuli were unglazed ceramic sculptures called haniwa. Haniwa were not military guards but served to represent the realm the deceased ruled during their life. The figures are more varied and whimsical than the Chinese terra cotta warriors.

Asuka and Nara Periods: 552-784 Buddhism arrives in Japan via Korea in 552. Japanese Buddhist artwork follows Chinese and Korean traditions very closely, although with a significant time lag. This Shaka triad from 623 is among the earliest Japanese Buddhist statues. The elongated heads and swirling drapery reflect Chinese influence.

The Daibutsuden, or Great Buddha Hall, was originally constructed in the 8th century and is currently the largest wooden building in the world. The temple served as both a Buddhist worship site and a central administration building that helped consolidate imperial authority. Thus, the rise of Buddhism and the rise of imperial power are intertwined.

Heian Period: 794-1185 In 794, the imperial family moved the capital to Heiankyo (Kyoto). This period of peace and prosperity allowed courtly imperial culture and the arts to develop. The literary classic, The Tale of Genji, was written by Lady Murasaki during this period. Esoteric Buddhism’s popularity led to increased demand for art to aid meditation. Mandaras (mandalas in Sanskrit) showed the cosmic diagram of the universe.

The Phoenix Hall is meant to evoke the Buddha’s home in the Pure Land The Phoenix Hall is meant to evoke the Buddha’s home in the Pure Land. The winged forms and the pond are meant to suggest the floating weightlessness of celestial architecture.

Kamakura Period: 1185-1332 In 1185, power shifted from the emperor to the first shogun of Kamakura. Imperial courtly life ended as a shogunate, or military government, was installed. The shoguns became great patrons of the arts. Chinese influence continued to dominate artistic trends.

This treatment recalls Greek and Roman veritas portraits. Notable from this time period are Kamakura wood portraits. They are naturalistic, seeking to show the person as they are, flaws included. This treatment recalls Greek and Roman veritas portraits.