Buddhist art forms were born and flourished in the Indian sub-continent where the Buddhism itself originated. In accordance with the growth of Buddhism, it became popular all around the Asian countries including Japan as a result of its interactions with other cultures.
The growth of the Buddhist religion and art was very fast in Asia. It entered all corners of the continent including northern, central, eastern and south-east Asia.
Before the arrival of Buddhism in Japan, various other cultures and movements had made impacts on the Japanese art. Especially the Kofun and Yoyoi times had a great influence on the culture and art style of Japan.
In the 6th century, Buddhism took up its residence in Japan. As it was fading away from India, Japan was becoming its capital. The Buddhist priests succeeded in attracting the ordinary people with their art works and statues. Consequently, Japan became the largest country of Buddhism in the world.
Soon after the introduction of Buddhism in Japan, it began to influence the Japanese life and art. Numerous monasteries and temples were built up. The Kofukun-ji temple in Nara, the five story pagoda and the Golden Hall of Horyuku are the existing examples of the Buddhist art forms of those times.
Buddhist art also improved in the form of paintings and sculptures. The government was involved in sponsoring a lot of artists in order to create numerous paintings and sculptures. The art of the time revolved around realism and had a very graceful appeal. This was the result of Korean, Chinese and Hellenistic impacts that had come together to form a unique style.
The Buddhist art had a greater development between the 8th and 13th century. In the periods of Nara and Heian, it became supreme in Japan. Hindu and Shintoist effects also were found in the Buddhist art forms. Most of the art works were portraying Buddhist deities and were exceptional because of their diversity and individuality.
Around the 13th century, the Zen art which was introduced in Japan by Eisai and Dogen began to replace the conventional Buddhist art. A large number of art works of those times including painting and pottery illustrated their intention to expose the life’s reality. Japanese martial arts and the art of flower arrangement named Ikebana also had a greater improvement in this period.
Today Japan is home to around 80,000 Buddhist temples. Most of these temples have been constructed from wood and have undergone massive restoration for the purpose of preservation.
Buddhist art from Japan is an integral component of the nation’s heritage. If you would like to see Buddhist influences in common Japanese tattoo symbols please click on the links.