Japanese Art
Prehistory
The earliest complex art was produced in the 7th century. All early art was connected to Buddhism. It was only after the 9th century that Japan began to develop its own style. Art developed easily is Japan since, until recently, all writing was done with brushes. So everyone knew how to make brushstrokes.
The Jomon Period (1100-300 B.C.) began in approximately 1100 B.C. The first settlers were nomadic hunter-gatherers. The first art developed was pottery with rope patterns impressed into the sides, called Jomon pottery. Later in the period, clay figurines called dogu developed.
The Yayoi Period (350 B.C.-250 A.D.) began when the Yayoi people immigrated into Japan. This is when the first metal objects were produced. For the most part they were weapons, but there were also brass bells called dotaku. They also produced wheel-thrown kiln-fired ceramics at this time.
The Kofun Period (250-552 A.D.) was also called the Haniwa period. This was because of the production of clay figures called haniwa. These figures were set outside tombs. It was at this time that many people began to unite as one nation. The art began to really develop as brass mirrors and even equestrian tacking was made. The greatest works of this period were the massive tombs built for powerful leaders. One such tomb, for Nintoku Tenno, takes up almost 460 acres and has three moats!
Follow this link to Kyoto National Museum's search engine, where you can search by period!
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