The Art and Architecture of Japan: (The Yale University Press Pelican History of Art Series)

Once slighted as mere copying from China, the arts of Japan are now seen as a unique alternation of advances and withdrawals. At times the islanders produced Chinese-style works of great beauty, unmatched on the continent. When they chose to be independent, their art differs at every level. Sculpture, and even more painting, are concrete, sensuous, and emotional, speaking directly to all. All that was most native in architectural taste survived the periods of Chinese monumentality - huge temples and gridiron city plans - with little change. The rambling, wood-paper-and-bamboo dwelling re-emerged 1000 years ago, almost as it may still be seen today.

Table of Contents:
Part 1 Painting and sculpture, Robert Treat Paine: the early Japanese - Archaic period; the introduction of Buddhism - Asuka period (552-645) and early Nara period (645-710); Buddhism as a state religion - late Nara period (710-784); the Shingon and Tendai sects - early Heian period (784-897); the taste of the imperial court - middle and late Heian period (898-1185; the popularization of Buddhism - Kamakura period (1185-1333); the Yamato-e tradition of narrative scrolls - 12th to 14th centuries; the renaissance of Chinese traditions - Muromachi period (1333-1573); the decoration of castles - Momoyama period (1573-1614); the later Kano and Tosa schools - Edo period (1615-1867); the return to native traditions - Edo period (1615-1867); the literary men's style - Edo period (1615-1867); early paintings of the Ukiyo-e School - 16th and 17th centuries; print designers of the Ukiyio-e school - Edo period (1615-1867). Part 2 Architecture, Alexander Soper: architecture of the pre-Buddhist age - houses and Shinto shrines, the tomb; Buddhist architecture of the Asuka and Nara periods - the monastery-temple, the buildings; secular architecture of the Asuka, Nara, and Heian periods - the capital, the palace; Buddhist architecture of the Heian period - the monastery-temple, the hall, the single-storeyed pagoda, tahoto, general details; Shinto architecture from Nara to Kamakura; Buddhist architecture of the Kamakura period - the "Indian Style", Tenijikuyo, the "Chinese style", Karayo, the "Japanese Style", Wayo, and the eclectic style, Settchiyo; domestic architecture of the Kamakura period; secular architecture of Muromachi, Momoyama, and Edo; religious architecture of Muromachi, Momoyama, and Edo.