Japan

Trace the spread of Buddhism through close looking at Buddhist objects from different regions. Explore how artifacts reveal distinct local traditions as well as common ideas and motifs.

Richard Hill and students demonstrate kendo, a Japanese martial arts form, at the Asian Art Museum’s educator workshop for the Lords of the Samurai exhibition on September 5, 2009.

In all lacquer objects, regardless of when they were produced, a resinous sap coating preserves the core material and allows for decoration. The material for lacquering is extracted from lacquer trees (Toxicodendron vernicifluum; formerly Rhus verniciflua), which is the same genus as poison oak. Learn more in this award winning documentary on Japanese lacquer.

Andrea Horbinski of the UC Berkeley History–Social Science Project, gives a talk to teachers at the Japan Teacher Institute at the Asian Art Museum on Japanese history, folktales, anime, and more.

Large plate with map of Japan, 1800-1868. Japan; Arita region, Saga prefecture. Porcelain with cobalt decoration. The Avery Brundage Collection, B72P1.

Artist Koki Tanaka discusses his works.

Karasu Tengu (crowlike deity) mask, approx. 1800-1850. Japan. Netsuke; ivory with dark detail staining, inlaid metal. The Avery Brundage Collection, B70Y811.

Kanzan (Hanshan), by Tobai (Japanese), approx. 1500-1625. Japan. Hanging scroll; ink and light colors on paper. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60D39+.a.

Vocabulary associated with the arts of the samurai.

Fudo Myoo (the Immovable One) is one of the powerful deities known as the Five Bright Kings in Japanese Buddhism and folk religion. As a manifestation of the central cosmic Buddha Mahavairochana (Japanese: Dainichi), Fudo is believed to protect Buddhism and its true adherents. Like all Bright Kings, Fudo assumes a frightening form, with a sword in his right hand and a rope in his left. He sits in front of a swiring flame of fire, with which he purifies evil.