Japanese Artifacts Before 1392 by Kailan Parks

Long-Necked Bottle (710-794AD)

kparks11_ — 2023-11-16 17:46:53 UTC

During the 8th century, the Japanese court decided to adopt Buddhism as the "official" religion. This is also when artists began using what was called a "Potter's Wheel" to create pottery such as the Long-Necked Bottle. The dark gray vase was made with new techniques discovered, then is fired at very high temperatures to solidify the art piece. Glaze can also be made to allow decorating of the pottery.

https://www.britannica.com/event/Nara-period

https://arthistoryteachingresources.org/lessons/japanese-art-before-1392-from-the-prehistoric-to-the-kamakura-period/

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/50315

Haniwa of a boar

kwhite65_ — 2023-11-16 17:53:02 UTC

This sculpture of the boar was made in the 5th century Japan during the Kofun period (300-710). The material used for it was Earthenware, a hollow clay material, and was a typical way of practicing burial mounds. They would place these sculptures around and inside the tombs as offerings. Most of the sculptures that were made during this time were very abstract with the aesthetic of the period. However, the Haniwa of a boar shows an infant boars large snout, curled body, and bounded limbs. The Kofun period is mainly known for it's name after the style of burial mounds that were used from this time period. Haniwa was an impressive way of sculpting which were used for funeral sculptures. Haniwa was a way to show respect for your elders and that you wanted their afterlife to be worthy.

https://www.worldhistory.org/Kofun_Period/

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/44834

https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1072&context=sturesearch#:~:text=We%20found%20a%20connection%20between%20sacred%20space%20and%20Japanese%20Haniwa,their%20afterlife%20to%20be%20worthy.

Kamakura and Nanbokucho Periods (1185–1392)

fbayat1 — 2023-11-16 17:53:30 UTC

The Kamakura and Nanbokucho periods were from 1185 to 1392. During this time, Japan experienced significant political and social changes. The Kamakura Period was known for the rise of the samurai class, while the Nanbokucho Period was characterized by the division of imperial authority between two rival courts. It was a fascinating time in Japanese history. It's a famous painting from the Lotus Sutra, showing the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara surrounded by other bodhisattvas. It emphasizes compassion and the bodhisattva's ability to hear and help all beings.

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/kana/hd_kana.htm

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/44849

https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-asia/art-japan/kamakura-period/a/an-introduction-to-the-samurai

Jōmon Culture (ca. 10500–ca. 300 B.C.)

fbayat1 — 2023-11-16 18:04:18 UTC

The Jōmon Culture dates back to approximately 10500 B.C. to 300 B.C. It was a prehistoric period in Japan, known for its unique pottery and hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Jōmon pottery is a significant artifact from this period, characterized by its cord-marked patterns and clay figurines. These pottery pieces provide insights into the artistic and cultural practices of the Jōmon people.

The Jōmon culture had these cool clay figurines called dogū. They were small sculptures of humans and animals with unique designs and exaggerated features. They give us a glimpse into the Jōmon people's art and beliefs.

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/jomo/hd_jomo.htm

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/53625

https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-asia/art-japan/x97ec695a:jomon-period/a/jomon-period-an-introduction

Carriage-wheel stone bracelet

kwhite65_ — 2023-11-16 18:09:50 UTC

This irregular looking bracelet was made in the 4th century of Japan which was also in the Kofun period (300-710). The material of the bracelet that was used to make it was stone and the medium of this was carved green tuff. Most artifacts of this shape were called sharinseki but are mostly identified as stone bracelets. The description of this artifact is an irregular disk with smooth radial fluting. These stone bracelets were meant to be talismans for religious purposes but were never placed within the burials. Many think that they stopped placing them in the burials was because of the Buddhist and Chinese cultures stripping the bracelet of its spiritual meaning.

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/45537

Jar (2500–1000 BCE)

kparks11_ — 2023-11-16 18:10:07 UTC

The Jōmon period is widely known for the line markings made from ropes to create their unique designs. These pots were made by hand without the help of a pottery wheel. As the southern & Western parts of Japan were fighting off foreigners, the North became the center of attention for "traditional pottery production(THEMET). As we used kilns today, the pottery makers used "outside bonfires" to fire & glaze their artwork(THEMET). The Jōmon period last for an outstanding time & is separated into 6 different sections; Incipient Jōmon, Initial Jōmon, Early Jōmon, Middle Jōmon, Late Jōmon, & Final Jōmon. (THEMET)

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/50165

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/jomo/hd_jomo.htm