🐘Buddhist Arts of Asia Unit 11 – Japanese Buddhist Art: Sculpture & Painting

Historical Context

• Buddhism introduced to Japan from China and Korea in the 6th century CE during the Asuka period (538-710)
• Early Japanese Buddhist art heavily influenced by Chinese and Korean styles, particularly from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Tang (618-907) dynasties
• Buddhism gained widespread acceptance during the Nara period (710-794) when it received official state patronage
  • Emperor Shōmu (r. 724-749) was a devout Buddhist who commissioned the construction of provincial temples (kokubunji) and nunneries (kokubunniji) throughout Japan
• During the Heian period (794-1185), esoteric Buddhist sects such as Shingon and Tendai gained prominence, influencing artistic expression
• The rise of the samurai class during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) led to a shift towards more realistic and expressive art styles, exemplified by the works of sculptors like Unkei and Kaikei

Key Buddhist Concepts in Art

• The concept of Buddha-nature (busshō), the idea that all beings have the potential for enlightenment, is central to Japanese Buddhist art
• Compassion (jihi) and wisdom (chie) are essential qualities embodied by bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who postpone their own buddhahood to help others attain enlightenment
  • Bodhisattvas like Kannon (Avalokiteśvara) and Jizō (Kṣitigarbha) are popular subjects in Japanese Buddhist art
• The Six Realms of Existence (rokudō) are often depicted in paintings, illustrating the cycle of rebirth and the path to enlightenment
• The concept of impermanence (mujō) is reflected in the use of perishable materials and the depiction of the Buddha's passing into nirvana (nehan)
• Mandalas, geometric diagrams representing the cosmic realm of a particular Buddha or bodhisattva, are used as aids for meditation and visualization in esoteric Buddhist practices

Evolution of Japanese Buddhist Sculpture

• Early Japanese Buddhist sculpture (6th-7th centuries) was characterized by frontal, symmetrical poses and abstract, linear drapery, influenced by Chinese Northern Wei and Sui dynasty styles
  • Notable examples include the Shaka Triad at Hōryū-ji temple and the Kudara Kannon at Hōryū-ji temple
• During the Nara period (710-794), sculptors began to incorporate more naturalistic and voluminous drapery, reflecting the influence of Tang dynasty China
  • The Yakushi Triad at Yakushi-ji temple and the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Tōdai-ji temple exemplify this style
• In the Heian period (794-1185), sculpture became more refined and elegant, with slender, graceful figures and intricate, flowing drapery
  • The Amida Buddha at Byōdō-in temple and the Fukukenjaku Kannon at Kōfuku-ji temple are representative of this style
• The Kamakura period (1185-1333) saw a shift towards greater realism and expressiveness, with sculptures depicting intense emotions and dynamic poses
  • Works by sculptors like Unkei and Kaikei, such as the Guardian Kings (Niō) at Tōdai-ji temple, exemplify this style

Iconic Buddhist Paintings in Japan

• The Kumano Mandala (12th century) at Shōgoin temple depicts the sacred Kumano pilgrimage route and the three main shrines associated with it
• The Taima Mandala (13th century) at Taima-dera temple illustrates the Pure Land of Amida Buddha and the story of Queen Vaidehi
• The Illustrated Story of the Hungry Ghosts Scroll (12th century) at Kyoto National Museum depicts the realm of hungry ghosts (gaki) and the Buddha's teachings on karma and compassion
• The Hell Scroll (late 12th century) at Nara National Museum vividly portrays the torments of the hell realms and serves as a warning against evil deeds
• The Portrait of Priest Ganjin (Jianzhen) (13th century) at Tōshōdai-ji temple is a realistic depiction of the Chinese monk who helped establish the Ritsu school of Buddhism in Japan

Techniques and Materials

• Japanese Buddhist sculptures were typically made of wood, often cypress (hinoki) or camphor (kusu), using the joined-block construction technique (yosegi-zukuri)
  • Sculptures were carved from multiple pieces of wood, hollowed out to prevent cracking, and then joined together
• Dry lacquer (kanshitsu) technique involved applying layers of hemp cloth soaked in lacquer over a clay core, which was then removed to create a lightweight, durable sculpture
• Gilt bronze (kondō) was used for smaller sculptures and decorative elements, often employing the lost-wax casting method
• Paintings were executed on silk or paper using mineral pigments, ink, and occasionally gold or silver leaf
  • Hanging scrolls (kakemono) and handscrolls (emakimono) were common formats for Buddhist paintings
• The use of kirikane, cut gold leaf applied to paintings or sculptures, added a luminous, otherworldly quality to the artwork

Symbolism and Iconography

• The mudras (hand gestures) of Buddhist figures convey specific meanings and attributes
  • The abhaya mudra (raised right hand) symbolizes protection and fearlessness
  • The dhyana mudra (hands resting in the lap) represents meditation and concentration
• The ushnisha, a protuberance on the crown of the Buddha's head, symbolizes his supreme wisdom and enlightenment
• Bodhisattvas are often depicted with elaborate crowns, jewelry, and flowing robes, symbolizing their transcendent nature and compassion
• The lotus flower, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, is frequently used as a throne or pedestal for Buddhist figures
• The Eight Auspicious Symbols (hasso) of Buddhism, such as the endless knot and the wheel of dharma, are often incorporated into the ornamentation of sculptures and paintings

Major Artists and Schools

• Tori Busshi (late 6th-early 7th century) was an influential sculptor known for his bronze statues, including the Shaka Triad at Asuka-dera temple
• Jōchō (d. 1057) founded the Jōchō school of sculpture, known for its elegant and refined style during the Heian period
  • Notable works include the Amida Buddha at Byōdō-in temple and the Fukukenjaku Kannon at Kōfuku-ji temple
• Unkei (d. 1223) and Kaikei (d. 1236) were leading sculptors of the Kei school during the Kamakura period, known for their realistic and expressive style
  • Unkei's works include the Guardian Kings (Niō) at Tōdai-ji temple and the portrait statues of Muchaku and Seshin at Kōfuku-ji temple
• The Takuma school of painting, founded by Takuma Tamemoto (active late 11th-early 12th century), specialized in Buddhist themes and was influential during the Heian and Kamakura periods
  • Notable works include the Illustrated Story of the Hungry Ghosts Scroll and the Hell Scroll

Cultural Impact and Legacy

• Japanese Buddhist art played a crucial role in the spread and popularization of Buddhism throughout the country
• Buddhist temples and their art served as centers of learning, culture, and political power, particularly during the Nara and Heian periods
• The aesthetic principles and techniques developed in Buddhist art influenced other forms of Japanese art, such as ink painting, calligraphy, and architecture
• The legacy of Japanese Buddhist art can be seen in the continued production of religious artwork and the preservation of ancient sculptures and paintings in temples and museums
• Japanese Buddhist art has had a significant impact on the development of Buddhist art in other East Asian countries, particularly in Korea and China during the medieval period
• The study and appreciation of Japanese Buddhist art have contributed to a deeper understanding of Japan's religious, cultural, and artistic heritage, both within the country and internationally