This was the period of “art as entertainment” but not quite as we know it! It was a peaceful and very prosperous era. During early times, Chinese influence was still felt but civil unrest in China forced Japan to look internally for inspiration. There was a flowering of literature, the arts and religious thinking, including a new interest in mysticism which also affected art.
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| In the Temple Gardens |
Art spread to homes, not just temples, with painted wall panels,
albums or scrolls available. Rules and
conventions strictly guided painting but there was some freedom to
experiment. Caricature came into being;
artists depicted animals carrying on human activities. This was probably produced by monks. Lavish decoration was connected with Buddhism
whilst a revival of Shintoism’s previous use of symbolism evolved into image-making.
Free to follow new practices, teaching monasteries were
built in surrounding countryside and otherwise “inaccessible” areas to provide worshippers
with a sense of harmony with nature and peace to communicate with ancestors. Temples located in landscaped gardens of
willow and cherry trees was a popular and elegant improvement. Due to Kyoto’s surrounding rugged terrain, the
pagoda’s basic shape had to be altered - its base became cylindrical, supporting
a raised, rounded roof.
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| Kiyomizu-dera Temple |
Kiyomizu-dera
Temple (778) set in the hills surrounding Kyoto takes its name
from the waterfall (pure water) within the complex. The temple is a massive timber structure amazingly
completed without nails and its large main hall veranda offers impressive city
views. We stopped to take the waters,
check if the cherry blossoms were still flowering and people-watch. Pilgrims
negotiated an impressive array of fortune tellers, souvenir stalls and incense
sellers while Maiko in elaborate costumes added to the beauty of the gardens.
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| Garden Stone Work |
Built alongside the south
gate to the Heian Kyoto, To-ji Temple
(796), one of three, stood as a mark of protection for its capital. The pagoda, the tallest wooden tower in
Japan, is set in beautiful gardens.
Although not able to visit the Temple we were fortunate enough have our
last day scouring the famous flea market. With suitcases already bulging, we
managed to cram in yet more fabrics, pieces of old kimono and even some
beautiful ceramics.
