japanese culture

Jōmon period

Earliest Japanese cultural period (ca. 14,000-300 BCE) known for cord-patterned pottery, pit dwellings, and hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

dogū

Small clay figures made during the Jōmon period, often exaggerated in female features for fertility or magical protection.

Kofun period

Period (ca. 300-552 CE) named after kofun (large burial mounds) marked by the rise of powerful ruling elites and early Yamato state.

Daisen Kofun

Largest keyhole-shaped burial mound (5th century) believed to be the tomb of Emperor Nintoku, showcasing rulers' power through scale and haniwa decorations.

haniwa

Clay sculptures placed on kofun representing humans, animals, and houses, serving as ritual protection and status markers.

Queen Himiko

Shaman-queen of Yamatai (3rd century) mentioned in Chinese records, associated with early forms of Japanese religious leadership.

Shinto

Indigenous Japanese belief system centered on kami (spirits in nature, ancestors) involving ritual purity, shrines, and seasonal festivals.

kami

Spirits or deities of Shinto that can inhabit natural objects, ancestors, or mythological beings, maintained through ritual.

torii

Gateway at shrine entrances that marks sacred space separating the human and kami realms.

Ise Shrine

Most important Shinto shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu (sun goddess), rebuilt every 20 years (shikinen sengū) for renewal and continuity.

Amaterasu

Sun goddess and central kami of Shinto, considered the mythical ancestor of the imperial line.

Three Imperial Regalia

Mirror (truth), sword (valor), and jewel (benevolence), sacred treasures symbolizing imperial authority.

Buddhism

Religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in India (5th century BCE), introduced to Japan from Korea/China (6th century), offering a path to enlightenment.

Siddhartha Gautama

Historical founder of Buddhism who reached enlightenment and became the Buddha.

Śākyamuni

Another name for the historical Buddha, meaning 'Sage of the Shakya clan.'

Buddha

'Enlightened one,' depicted in Japanese art with serene expression, special hand gestures (mudra), elongated earlobes, and cranial bump (ushnisha).

bodhisattva

Being who has achieved enlightenment but remains to help others, often richly adorned in art.

Four Passing Sights

Old man, sick man, dead man, and wandering ascetic; these inspired Siddhartha to renounce his princely life and seek truth.

Four Noble Truths

1. Life is suffering. 2. Suffering comes from desire. 3. End desire → end suffering. 4. Follow the Eightfold Path.

Six Realms of Transmigration

Cycle of rebirth including gods, humans, animals, hungry ghosts, hell beings, and asuras (demigods).

karma

Law of cause and effect of actions that determines rebirth.

Hōryūji

Oldest wooden Buddhist temple in Japan (early 7th century, Nara), associated with Prince Shōtoku.

Prince Shōtoku

Early promoter of Buddhism in Japan and patron of Hōryūji.

Golden Hall (Main Hall)

Central hall in a Buddhist temple housing the main image (Buddha).

Shaka triad

Sculpture of Śākyamuni flanked by bodhisattvas, an iconic Hōryūji image commissioned by Prince Shōtoku.

Five-storied pagoda

Tower in Buddhist temples, derived from Indian stupa.

Five elements

Symbolizes earth, water, fire, wind, void.

stupa

Indian Buddhist reliquary mound.

Death of Sakyamuni sculpture

Parinirvana scene: Buddha lying on side at death, surrounded by mourners.

Dream Hall (Yumedono)

Octagonal hall at Hōryūji.

World-Saving bodhisattva

Refers to Kannon (Avalokiteśvara), compassionate bodhisattva who saves beings.

Ernest Fenollosa

American art historian who helped preserve Japanese Buddhist art in Meiji era.

Okakura Tenshin

Japanese art historian, co-founder of Nihonga painting style.

Nara period (710-794)

First permanent capital at Heijō (Nara).

Heijō (Nara) Capital

Grid-plan capital city modeled on Chinese Chang'an.

Chang'an

Capital of Tang dynasty, model for East Asian capitals.

Great Hall of State (Daigokuden)

Main audience hall of Nara/Heian capitals.

Tōdaiji

Massive Nara temple housing Great Buddha (Vairocana).

Emperor Shōmu

Nara emperor who promoted Buddhism.

Main Hall (of Tōdaiji)

Houses the colossal Vairocana Buddha.

Great South Gate

Monumental gate of Tōdaiji, flanked by guardian statues.

Guardian deities at the Great South Gate

Nio (muscular warrior figures) protect temple from evil.

Joint-block technique

Wooden sculpture technique: multiple blocks joined.

Vairocana (Cosmic Buddha)

Represents universal truth, cosmic aspect of Buddha.

Heian period (794-1185)

Capital moved to Heian (Kyoto).

The Tale of Genji

World's first novel, written by Murasaki Shikibu (11th c.).

Murasaki Shikibu

Lady-in-waiting, author of The Tale of Genji.

Illustrated Handscroll of the Tale of Genji

Genji Monogatari Emaki (12th c.).

Scroll of Frolicking Animals

Choju giga, humorous animal caricature scrolls.

Hungry Ghost Scrolls

Depictions of Buddhist hell and hungry spirits.

Pure Land Buddhism

Sect focused on rebirth in Amida's Pure Land through faith and chanting.

Amida Buddha

Buddha of Infinite Light, central to Pure Land Buddhism.

Western Pure Land

Amida's paradise, free of suffering.

mudra

Symbolic hand gestures of Buddhas and bodhisattvas.

Byōdōin

Temple in Uji (Heian period).

Phoenix Hall (Hōōdō)

Main hall of Byōdōin (1053).

Fujiwara no Yorimichi

Powerful Heian statesman.