Buddhist art actually originated in the Indian subcontinent. With the passage of years and communication with other cultures throughout Asia the religion and the art form expanded to other places including Japan.
The growth of the Buddhist religion and art was very fast in Asia. It entered all corners of the continent including northern, central, eastern and south-east Asia.
Before the arrival of Buddhism in Japan, various other cultures and movements had influenced the Japanese art. Especially the Kofun and Yoyoi times had a great impact on the culture and art style of Japan.
It was in the 6th century that Buddhism made its way to Japan. Missionary people made their way to the country with their scriptures and art work hoping to attract the uneducated masses. Today Japan stands as the largest Buddhist nation in the world. When Buddhism was vanishing in India it was picking up in Japan.
Following the arrival of the religion into the country Buddhist art began to flourish in various ways. The landscape was dotted with numerous monasteries and temples. Some of the most eminent buildings inspired by Buddhism are the Golden Hall of the Horyuki, the five story pagoda and the Kofuku-ji temple in the city of Nara.
Buddhist art also improved in the form of paintings and statues. The government was engaged in sponsoring a lot of artists in order to create numerous paintings and sculptures. The art of the time concentrated on realism and had a very graceful attraction. This was the result of Korean, Chinese and Hellenistic impacts that had come together to form a unique style.
The period ranging from the 8th century through to the 13th century witnessed Buddhist art develop to a great extent. The Nara period as well as the Heian and Kamakura period is known for their Buddhist art. The Japanese artists developed rich figurative art that was used in order to depict their deities. Hindu and Shinto influence were also apparent in such works. In general Buddhist art appeared to be extremely varied but at the same time very innovative and bold.
The time period after the thirteenth century saw a transition from the orthodox Buddhist art towards Zen art. This was the philosophy introduced into Japan through the Eisai and Dogen on their return trip from China. A host of original pottery and paintings reflecting their desire to reveal the true meaning of life can be found belonging to this time period. Other art forms like Ikebana and martial arts also sprung up during these times.
An overwhelming number of Buddhist temples, reaching up to 80,000, can be found in Japan today. Most of these temples had been repaired a lot in order to preserve them.
The growth of the Buddhist religion and art was very fast in Asia. It entered all corners of the continent including northern, central, eastern and south-east Asia.
Before the arrival of Buddhism in Japan, various other cultures and movements had influenced the Japanese art. Especially the Kofun and Yoyoi times had a great impact on the culture and art style of Japan.
It was in the 6th century that Buddhism made its way to Japan. Missionary people made their way to the country with their scriptures and art work hoping to attract the uneducated masses. Today Japan stands as the largest Buddhist nation in the world. When Buddhism was vanishing in India it was picking up in Japan.
Following the arrival of the religion into the country Buddhist art began to flourish in various ways. The landscape was dotted with numerous monasteries and temples. Some of the most eminent buildings inspired by Buddhism are the Golden Hall of the Horyuki, the five story pagoda and the Kofuku-ji temple in the city of Nara.
Buddhist art also improved in the form of paintings and statues. The government was engaged in sponsoring a lot of artists in order to create numerous paintings and sculptures. The art of the time concentrated on realism and had a very graceful attraction. This was the result of Korean, Chinese and Hellenistic impacts that had come together to form a unique style.
The period ranging from the 8th century through to the 13th century witnessed Buddhist art develop to a great extent. The Nara period as well as the Heian and Kamakura period is known for their Buddhist art. The Japanese artists developed rich figurative art that was used in order to depict their deities. Hindu and Shinto influence were also apparent in such works. In general Buddhist art appeared to be extremely varied but at the same time very innovative and bold.
The time period after the thirteenth century saw a transition from the orthodox Buddhist art towards Zen art. This was the philosophy introduced into Japan through the Eisai and Dogen on their return trip from China. A host of original pottery and paintings reflecting their desire to reveal the true meaning of life can be found belonging to this time period. Other art forms like Ikebana and martial arts also sprung up during these times.
An overwhelming number of Buddhist temples, reaching up to 80,000, can be found in Japan today. Most of these temples had been repaired a lot in order to preserve them.
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There are a number of distinct fileds within Traditional Japanese art. For more information on Traditional Japanese tattoo art please follow the links.
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