Nio Figures of the Kamakura Period of Japanese Art

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Nio figures, particularly those of Todaiji Temple, which acutely represent the changes and needs of Japanese society at the time. The paper also examines and describes Kamakura realism and discusses the different figures belonging to that genre of artwork. In addition, the paper discusses the influence of this artwork on other cultures in the world. The effort to restore artwork from this period after the Genpei Civil War is also discussed.

From the Paper:

"After the Genpei Civil War (1180 - 1185 C.E.) in Japan a great effort was made to restore some of the cultural monuments that had been destroyed. The Todaiji as well as the Kofukuji Temples had been burned in 1180 C.E. because of their sympathies with the rebelling Minamoto family . The rebuilding of Todaiji Temple in Nara was headed by Fujiwara Yukitaka, who was director of the restoration, and Priest Chogen, who collected contributions and also traveled to China to study the Song style of architecture . This rebuilding was burned down again around 1700 C.E. but the Nandaimon and the Kongo Rikishi figures inside survived."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Addiss, Stephanie. How to Look at Japanese Art. New York: Harry Abrams Inc., 1996.
• Ienaga, Saburo. Japanese Art: A Cultural Appreciation. New York/Tokyo: Weatherhill/Heibonsha, 1979.
• Ishizawa, Masao et al. The Heritage of Japanese Art. Tokyo: Kodansha International Ltd., 1981.
• Kobayashi, Takeshi. Nara Buddhist Art: Todai-ji. New York/Tokyo: Weatherhill/Heibonsha, 1975.
• Kyotaro, Nishikawa and Emily J. Sano. The Great Age of Japanese Buddhist Sculpture AD 600-1300, Kyoto: Nissha Printing Company, 1993.

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