The introduction of Buddhism to Japan was one of the most important events in Japanese history and had a lasting effect on the development of its thought, art, and culture. According to Japanese sources, Buddhism was introduced from the Korean kingdom of Paekche in either 538 or 552 as part of a series of diplomatic exchanges that also led to a broader awareness of the beliefs and material culture of China and Korea. The Heian period (794-1185) in Japanese history began when the capital was relocated from Nara to Heian-kyo (present-day Kyoto). It has often been suggested that the capital was moved to help the court diminish the influence of the Buddhist clergy in Nara, who had at times played an important role in secular affairs.
This elegant and extraordinarily well-preserved statue of Kshitigarbha, Bodhisattva of the Earth Womb, represents a deity introduced to Japan in the Heian period. Although he is mentioned in Sanskrit texts, the worship of Kshitigarbha appears to have been more important in China, Korea, and Japan than in South or Southeast Asia. Kshitigarbha is worshipped as a savior bodhisattva who will help guide the faithful during the age of the decay of the Buddhist teachings--before the coming of Maitreya, the Buddhist of the Future. Kshitigarbha is usually depicted as a Buddhist monk with a shaved head and a monk's staff in his right hand. He holds a jewel of wisdom (chintamani), which grants all wishes, in his left hand. Kshitigarbha is also worshipped as the protector of women and children and of travelers; stone statues of this bodhisattva are often placed at crossroads.
The careful depiction in this sculpture of the folds of Kshitigarbha's garments, proportions, and the naturalistic rendering of his face, hands, and feet typify the interest in realism that characterizes the art of the Kamakura period (1185-1333), when the capital was moved much farther east to Kamakura and the country was in the hands of military rulers. Kshitigarb
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The introduction of Buddhism to Japan was one of the most important events in Japanese history and had a lasting effect on the development of its thought, art, and culture. According to Japanese sources, Buddhism was introduced from the Korean kingdom of Paekche in either 538 or 552 as part of a series of diplomatic exchanges that also led to a broader awareness of the beliefs and material culture of China and Korea. The Heian period (794-1185) in Japanese history began when the capital was relocated from Nara to Heian-kyo (present-day Kyoto). It has often been suggested that the capital was moved to help the court diminish the influence of the Buddhist clergy in Nara, who had at times played an important role in secular affairs.<P>This elegant and extraordinarily well-preserved statue of Kshitigarbha, Bodhisattva of the Earth Womb, represents a deity introduced to Japan in the Heian period. Although he is mentioned in Sanskrit texts, the worship of Kshitigarbha appears to have been more important in China, Korea, and Japan than in South or Southeast Asia. Kshitigarbha is worshipped as a savior bodhisattva who will help guide the faithful during the age of the decay of the Buddhist teachings--before the coming of Maitreya, the Buddhist of the Future. Kshitigarbha is usually depicted as a Buddhist monk with a shaved head and a monk's staff in his right hand. He holds a jewel of wisdom (<I>chintamani</I>), which grants all wishes, in his left hand. Kshitigarbha is also worshipped as the protector of women and children and of travelers; stone statues of this bodhisattva are often placed at crossroads.</P><P>The careful depiction in this sculpture of the folds of Kshitigarbha's garments, proportions, and the naturalistic rendering of his face, hands, and feet typify the interest in realism that characterizes the art of the Kamakura period (1185-1333), when the capital was moved much farther east to Kamakura and the country was in the hands of military rulers. Kshitigarb
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