Indian sub-continent was the original birth place of Buddhist art forms. Interaction with the other cultures and communities made positive influences on the Buddhist religion and helped it to expand all over Asia. Consequently, Buddhist art became popular and Japan became one of the capitals of Buddhist art and culture.
The art form actually followed the believers of the religion who were growing in number and spreading around in Asia. From the north through to Central Asia and then into Eastern Asia Buddhism was spreading like wild fire. It extended all the way to Southeast Asia.
Japanese art had been influenced by a variety of movements and cultures prior to the arrival of Buddhism. In the Yoyoi and Kofun periods, the face of the Japanese art changed a lot.
Buddhism was actually relocating in Japan from its birth place. The proselytizers and priests of Buddhism utilized their art works to attract the common people and within the 6th century, Buddhism became well-rooted in Japan. Today Japan is known to be the largest Buddhist country in the world.
Soon after the arrival of Buddhism in Japan, it began to make impacts on the Japanese life and art. Numerous monasteries and temples were put up. The Kofukun-ji temple in Nara, the five story pagoda and the Golden Hall of Horyuku are the existing remains of the Buddhist art forms of those times.
Buddhist art developed through its sculptures and paintings. Government also supported this growth by contributing several artists to the mission. As a result of the Chinese, Korean and Hellenistic influences, Japanese art of those times had an unparalleled attraction and the art was focussed on realism.
The 8th to 13th centuries were the golden era for the Buddhist art in Japan. Especially the Nara, Kamakura and Heian periods witnessed an unbelievable development of this art. Several metaphorical art forms were founded to illustrate the Buddhist deities. Shintoism and the Hindu religion also had some apparent effects on the Buddhist art. Their art was uncommon, but at the same time it appeared to be very innovative and expressive.
After the 13th century, the classical Buddhist art took the form of Zen art. This philosophy was brought to Japan by Dogen and Eisai. Apart from painting and pottery, the art of flower arrangement named Ikebana and the martial arts found their way to development in this time. These art works reveal their eagerness to uncover the real meaning of life.
Today, around 80,000 Buddhist temples made from wood can be found in Japan. For the purpose of conservation, they have undergone several modifications and restorations.
Japanese symbols of the zodiac provide an interesting insight into the history and culture of Japan. To learn more about Japanese Buddhist art click on the preceding link.
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