1. What are the two single most important characteristics that you need to remember about Japanese art—about the Japanese aesthetic?

2. Ise Shrine—a building that is rebuilt every twenty years and is dedicated to the Shinto god, Ise.

3. pagoda
temple
main compound Horyu-ji Nara Prefecture
Asuka period, 7th century CE Buddhism The pagoda is used as a reliquary to house sacred Buddhist relics.
This building is the oldest wooden temple in the world. 

4. Byodo-in, Uji Kyoto Prefecture
Heian period, c CE
A temple of Pure Land Buddhism

5. Kuya Preaching
Kosho
Kamakura period
before painted wood
What is the “antler” staff for? What does it signify
Why does Kuya lean forward?
Why is his head shaven?
What is around his neck? What is in his right hand?

6. What is coming out of Kuya’s mouth?

7. Monk Sewing
Ninga
Kamakura period, early 14th century
ink on paper
What eastern religion does this image represent?
Answer: Zen Buddhism
What are the characteristics of Zen Buddhism?
1. Nirvana is reached through meditation; there are no chants.
2. There is a spirit of self-reliance.
3. Reliance/belief in genjo koan—ordinary circumstance or actions can become an object of meditation.
Most like the Cistercians….

8. Muromachi period, mid-15th century
                                                                                              
Landscape
Bunsei
Muromachi period, mid-15th century
hanging scroll, ink and light colors on paper
What is the purpose of this landscape?

9. The Great Wave
Hokusai
Edo period, c.1831
polychrome woodblock print on paper

10. fusuma
tokonoma
shoji
tatami
Shoin Design