1. JAPAN BEFORE 1333
GARDNER Chapter 8 pp

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. BUDDHIST JAPAN
Asuka period ( CE) Japan’s ruling elite embraces major elements of continental Asian culture
Chinese writing, Confucianism, and Buddhism become established in Japan
Nara period ( ) 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

8. 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 Bronze and wood (sculpture); wood with ceramic tile roofing (architecture)

9. 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 Bronze and wood (sculpture); wood with ceramic tile roofing (architecture)
FLASHCARD

10. (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 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

11. (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 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

12. 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 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