Nara period sculpture

Kamakura Sculpture: Realism and Spirituality

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Kaikei (active ca. 1183–1223), Fudo Myoo, Kamakura period, early 13th century, lacquered, polychromed, and gilded Japanese cypress (hinoki) with cut gold leaf (kirikane) and inlaid crystal eyes, 54.6 x 42.5 x 38.1 cm. The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Mary Griggs Burke Collection, Gift of the Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation, 2015 Image copyright © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The magnificent sculpture of the Kamakura period  (1185-1333) has long been considered a high point in the history of Japanese art. Stylistic and technical innovations led to sculpture that displayed greater realism than ever before. Sculptors began signing their works,… Continue reading →