Chronology
By the time of the Renaissance in Europe (14 & 15 centuries) Japan had already developed a delicate, graceful and precise style. Modern day Japan is still a style trendsetter.
Kofun (250-538 AD)
Segments in this Chronology section are mostly illustrated by the photos I took as we visited monuments, museums and buildings and are referenced to lots of reading material online. An excellent Japanese Art Timeline with photographed collections can be found on-line thanks to the Met.
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| Photo Ref: Wiki |
Little art has survived from Japan’s earliest cultures. Eventually, increasing contact with the Asian mainland brought with it stimuli that would affect all facets of life. Whilst Japanese society had shaped ceramic funerary figurines, new techniques allowed bronze and iron work to be produced and allowed a diversified life in growing communities. Importantly, these communities were exposed to Buddhism. Initially, Japan maintained almost continuous contact with Korea. Yet another wave of influence came during the Chinese Tang period and again during the Nara and Sung Dynasties. Buddhism was strongly linked with these three main Chinese influences. Buddhism educated mind, body and spirit inspiring the Japanese to achieve many things including a refined culture uniquely theirs and a subtle yet rich language of art.
By the time of the Renaissance in Europe (14 & 15 centuries) Japan had already developed a delicate, graceful and precise style. Modern day Japan is still a style trendsetter.
GreatTombs Period. Little is known of the culture of early nomadic hunters as few artefacts remain, although it is known that settlers have existed since Paleolithic times (pre-10000BC). By the time of the Kofun (burial mound) Period they had progressed from hunter to settled agrarians. Within their feudal society members of significance, the nobility, were buried in large funeral mounds. For example, the keyhole Tomb of Nintoka (about 399) covers 79 acres with three moats around the outside. Pottery cylinders were placed around tombs to accompany the dead in the after-life. Known as haniwa (circles in clay), they are 20-40 inches high with some topped by figures of people, animals and horses. Haniwa provide us proof that early artists were keen observers.
Towards the end of this period, small regional communities were unified under a clan (family) from the Yamoto plain and Japan, as a nation, was created. The Yamoto Kingdom established the Asuka Valley (just south of Nara) as the Japanese seat of government by 552AD.
Textiles were most certainly in use during this time. Haniwa figures attest to long fitted tops, closing right over left, worn with either voluminous pants or skirts. I've included an engraving of Emperor Nintoku which hints at the elaborate weaves and construction that was available at a later time - no doubt reflective of Korean and Chinese fashions of the day.
Textiles were most certainly in use during this time. Haniwa figures attest to long fitted tops, closing right over left, worn with either voluminous pants or skirts. I've included an engraving of Emperor Nintoku which hints at the elaborate weaves and construction that was available at a later time - no doubt reflective of Korean and Chinese fashions of the day.
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| Emperor Nintoku 313-319 (from wiki) Chikanobu woodcut (1838-1912) |
