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From the Jomon Period thru the Kamakura Period, art in Japan has evolved from so many different influences. Large themes and players include the Buddhist religion, international relations with China and Korea, and the ruling party/government. It is clear to see the dramatic changes through the years and the different influences from other cultures. There are deep rooted aspects of this timeline that are still visible in Japanese art and culture today!

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"Female Representative" - Dogu Clay Figurine, Jomon Period, 1000-300 BC, Earthenware with Cord Marks. 

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"Jomon" means "cord markings". The period was known for the potters who made cord markings on the pottery. Much of the pottery was functional earthenware and was created using coils of clay and low firing temperatures. Also created were "Dogu", which were small humanoid figures that had the same cord markings and coffee bean-shaped eyes.

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"Seated Female Shaman" - Haniwa Figure (Ceramic Sculpture), Kofun Period, 6th Century, Earthenware. 

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Kofun means " Old Tomb" and this period is known for its large royal tombs. From the more complex social structures the leaders started to have the beginnings of of the imperial system. When they died, they followed the Chinese and Korean traditions and buried them in tombs.

"As part of a general cultural transfer from China through Korea, fifth-century potters in Japan gained knowledge of finishing techniques and improved kilns and began to produce high-fired ceramic ware (Art History, 366)."

Improved ceramic production led to the appearance of Haniwa, which were ceramic sculptures that were ceremonial and placed over burial mounds. They had a large variety of shapes such as boats, houses, objects, various animals, and even human figures. They may have been a link to the dead and living. The bodies were unglazed and showed a simpler and bolder form. Shamans were also believed to be links from the living and the dead just like the haniwa figures themselves. These haniwa ceramics were a defining feature of the Kofun period.

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Grand Shrine of Ise - Main Hall, Inner Shrine. Photograph by Watanabe Yoshio, 1953. 

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The Ise Shrine (Claimed to be c. First Century)

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The Ise Shrine (Claimed to be c. First Century)

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The Ise shrine is one of the Great Shinto monuments. "Shinto is Japan's indigenous religious belief system (Art History, 366)." The main deity worshipped there is a sun goddess believed to be the one that the imperial family descended from.

It was not until the 6th Century when Buddhism arrived that Shinto became more systematized. This is when shrines were built, a hierarchy of deities was laid out, and a regulated ceremonies became popularized.

The entire structure is ritually rebuilt every 20 years, most recently in 2013. The Shinto architecture is clearly visible by features like the raised elevation and unpainted wood. Natural simplicity was championed over complexity and grandeur and we see these same tastes in the Japanese culture today.

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"Hungry Tigress Jakata" - Lacquer Painting on Wood. Asuka Period, 7th Century. Chinese/Korean art style can be seen in the forms of bamboo, cliffs, and trees. 

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The Asuka Period is characterized by the growing popularity and integration of Buddhism. The adoption of this religion and its many forms/influences from China and Korea led to very different changes to art methods/forms and architecture.

Chinese Buddhist Temples did not have much resemblance to previous Japanese buildings. The oldest wooden temple in the world is Horyuji rebuilt during the Asuka Period.

Horyuji houses many ancient works from the Asuka period including texts, paintings, and sculptures. The influence of the Chinese and Korean forms of Buddhism is clear in the painting styles, written language, and bronze casting techniques. Buddhism is the vehicle for so many different influences and only continues to grow beyond this period.

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Five-Stringed Lute - Chinese Tang Dynasty, 8th Century. Sandalwood and chestnut with mother-of-pearl, amber, and tortoiseshell. From International Trade. 

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Period is named for the first permanent imperial capital which was the city of Nara.

Chinese government systems were becoming more commonly adopted and implemented in Japan. This was characterized by the need for large complexes and displays.

This influence spilled over to Buddhist temples and Shinto Shrines as well. Large structures, compounds, and statues were constructed throughout the country.

The high rate of expansion led Nara to become a popular destination on the Central Asian Silk Road. which only further exploded its diversification and internationalism:

"The objects....consisted mainly of his personal possessions, such as documents, furniture, musical instruments, games, clothing, medicine, weapons, some Buddhist ritual objects, and food and beverage vessels of metal, glass, and lacquer. Some of these had been made in Japan, while others came from as far away as China, India, Iran, Greece, Rome, and Egypt. They reflect the vast international trade network that existed at this early date (Art History, 373)."

This period was wrapped up when Buddhist influence and power was growing beyond the comfort and control of government entities.

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Scene From "The Tale of Genji" - Heian Period, 12th Century CE, Handscroll with ink and color on paper. 

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The Heian Period was one that experienced robust refinement and development in many aspects of art, culture, and government.

Buddhism was being divided and distilled into different sects. Esoteric Buddhism was known for the hierarchy of different Buddhas and other deities. This was attractive and complementary to some government branches. Mandalas in the form of paintings, textiles, physical structures, etc were increasingly prevalent to outline this hierarchy.

An official writing system was developed for the country. Along with the permeation of Buddhism, a written culture and art form also developed in the courts that valued refinement and expression. The status of women became very important during this time. There were many famous painting styles and texts that came out of this time.

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"Night Attack" - Kamakura Period, late 13th Century CE. Handscroll with ink and colors on paper. Emphasis on the color and lifelike painting styles. 

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The Kamakura Period begins with the rise of samurai factions throughout the country. The establishment of the shogun changes the governmental power dynamics and the ones that hold the power to influence the masses.

Contact with China is renewed and the country's influence on Japanese art and culture begins again. Chinese Buddhist art is very lifelike and realistic. In addition to lifelike depictions of Buddhist figures, detailed scenes of brutal battles are also being done.

Zen Buddhism is the last form of Buddhism to enter Japan from other Asian regions and becomes popular among the samurai class:

"...Zen resembles the original teachings of the historical Buddha: it emphasizes individual enlightenment through meditation, without the help of deities or magical chants. It especially appealed to the self-disciplined spirit of samurai warriors, who were not satisfied with the older forms of Buddhism connected with the Japanese court (Art History, 384)."

The dominating warrior class and Zen religion both continued to shape Japanese art and culture for many years to come.