Japanese Art

Jomon and Yayoi Period ca. 11,000 - ca. 250 BC The Northern parts of Japan were occupied by the Jomon people The Jomon period is basically Japan's Neolithic period. Its name is derived from the "cord markings" that characterize the ceramics made during this time. Jomon people lived mostly in pit dwellings and their food source came from gathering, fishing, and hunting. Bell (dotaku), late Yayoi period (ca. 4th century B.C.–3rd century A.D.), 1st–2nd century Japan Bronze; H. 43 1/2 in. (109.2 cm) Dotakus were buried singly, in pairs, and in large groups however they are not used for funerary purposes because they have not been discovered in graves or near dwellings. Therefore, thier placement suggests that they were community property rather than personal property. It has been suggested that they were included in religious ceremonies to ensure a community's agricultural fertility.

Deep bowl with sculptural rim, late Middle Jomon period (ca. 2500–1500 B.C.), ca. 1500B.C. Japan Earthenware; H. 13 in. This deep bowl was built with coils of clay that were then smoothed by hand and with paddles. Clay coils formed the smooth wavelike motion of the "fire- flame" design that decorates the rim. The lower part of the bowl was mark or design while it was still soft with a length of rough cord wrapped around a stick to create the textured pattern. After the bowl was fully formed, it was left to bake or dry in an open pit.

Buddhist Japan Asuka ( ), Early Nara(Hakuho; ), and Nara( ) periods At the beginning of the Asuka period, Buddhism was brought from China to Japan. The development of Japanese art was influenced by Chinese culture. Japanese buddhist sculpture is made of bronze. The central image is shaka also known as buddha. Behind him, are small figures of other buddhas Tori Busshi, Shaka triad, Horyuji kondo, Nara, Japan, Asuka period, Bronze, 5’9 ½’’ high.

Heian Period ( ) The Heian period was originally called Heiankyo, the “Capital of Peace and tranquility”, which is also known as Kyoto. Shingon was the primary form of buddjism in Japan. In Shingon medetation, the mandala was important. The mandala was thought to be a diagram of the cosmic universe.

Kamakura Period ( ) A series of civil wars began between rival warrior families which led to the end of the Japanese political and social force. Detail of the priest Shunjobo Chogen, Todaiji, Nara, Kamakura period. The priest is characterized as old, you can see his signes of aging, he is also holding prayer beads. There is emphasis on the detail and the natural quality that can only be seen in japanese portraits.