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(★)(In the Heian period [794-1185] the advance of Buddhism in Japan inspired the creation of ever more splendid temples and works of art for their adornment. it was during this period that the powerful and affluent Fujiwara clan attained dominance, asserting its authority both politically and culturally and often employing its wealth for new endeavors in religious architecture and art. It was also during this period that the Pure Land form of Buddhism, offering hope of salvation in the Buddha Amida´s paradise, found increasing favor with the aristocracy and the common people as well. The Fujiwara were among its leading devotees. The ambitions of the Fujiwara and the aspirations of the Pure Land faith were perhaps most nobly expressed in the building and interior ornamentation of such temples as the Byodo-in at Uji, near Kyoto, and the Chuson-ji in the northern province now known as Iwate Prefecture. Here the union of religion and art produced masterpieces of architecture, sculpture, and painting that epitomized the refinement of the Heian age. Even today the chief surviving structures of these two temples --the surpassingly exquisite Phoenix Hall of the Byodo-in and the elegant Konjikido (Gilded Hall) of the Chuson-ji-- reflect the devotional fervor and the high aesthetic aims of the people who built them. The Byodo-in and the Chuson-ji are central to the theme of the present book, which concerns itself with the art and architecture of Pure Land Buddhism in Heian times. In an absorbing and informative text, the author traces the course of this distinctive development in Japanese art history : its origins, its manifestations in the ancient capital of Kyoto and the surrounding area, and its extension to western and northern Japan. His authoritative presentation is richly illustrated with 43 photographs in full color, 113 in black and white, and 11 drawings. ◆Toshio Fukuyama, specialist in architecture, was born in 1905, graduated from the Kyoto Imperial University in 1927, and acquired his doctoral degree in 1939. After periods of service with such organizations as the Ministry of Education and the Art Research Institute, he taught at Kyoto University for ten years. At present he teaches at the Western Japan Technological University in Fukuoka Prefecture. His numerous published works include several books on the history of Japanese architecture.) |
BASE de DATOS, Biblioteca del Centro Cultural de la Embajada de Japon
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