Asuka and Nara Period
The Asuka Period (552-710 A.D.) was greatly influenced by external forces (i.e. China and Korea). Some historians break the period into 2 subperiods:
Suiko (552-645)
Hakuho (645-710)
The period began when Prince Shotoku brought Buddhism into the country. He commanded that temples be built for worship. The main temple was the Horyu-ji temple. In it, some of the greatest art of the period was housed. This included the Shaka Trinity, which was Buddha and his two bodhisattvas in bronze (623, Tari Busshi) In the 8th century, the Todai-ji temple was built in Nara. Among the things housed there was a 53 ft. tall Buddha statue and the Rushana Buddha, of which only fragments remain. The Hokkedo (Lotus Sutra Hall) held the Fukukenjaku Kannon, which was the most popular bodhisattva (which was like a saint). The statue was made by dipping cloth in laquer and wrapping it around a wooden frame. The Shosoin (storehouse) held all the ritual dedication tools for the temple as well as imperial art objects.
The Nara Period (710-794 A.D.) came out of hte influence of the Tang dynasty in China. This could be seen in the later additions of murals to the Horyu-ji temple and the stone tomb of Takamatsuzuka. Buddhist influence was at a peak. Many murals and scrolls depicted the gods and goddesses of Indian mythology. All of the art contained the "artistry of life"- idealized realism with dynamic lines and colors. Some good examples include the panels of the screen "Beauties Beneath Trees" by Mafu Bosatsu.
Follow this link to Kyoto National Museum's Period search engine for pictures!
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