Medieval Japan Art and Culture in Heian Japan

Medieval Japan

Art and Culture in Heian Japan 7. 5. 4 7. 5. 5 The Big Idea Japanese culture experienced a golden age during the Heian period of the 800 s to the 1100 s.

The Golden Age of Japan • Main Idea 1: – Japanese nobles created great art in their court at Heian.

The Golden Age of Japan • The Japanese imperial court was made up of a group of nobles who lived nearby and served the emperor. – The emperor and his court moved to the city of Heian in 794. Heian is now known as the city of Kyoto.

The Golden Age of Japan • The period of the Heian court was considered a “golden age” for Japanese culture.

The Golden Age of Japan • Fashion: Beautiful silk robes and decorative fans became popular. Notice the nature designs on the robes and fans.

The Golden Age of Japan • Literature: This was the time of the greatest writers in Japanese history. Many of the most famous writers were women, supported by the noble class.

Lady Murasaki Shikibu’s famous book – The Tale of Genji

The Golden Age of Japan • Visual Art: Paintings, calligraphy, & architecture were more elaborate.

The Golden Age of Japan

The Golden Age of Japanese art was often about nature.

The Golden Age of Japan The Byōdō-in temple in the city of Uji, Japan was built during the Heian peiod.

The Golden Age of Japan The Kondo, built during the Heian peiod.

The Golden Age of Japan • Performing Arts: Musicians, jugglers, acrobats, and actors all entertained the court.

7. A lot of Japan’s art was made by people of the Heian imperial court, especially noble women. A. True B. False

8. Lady Murasaki Shikabu is important because she wrote the world’s first novel. What is the name of her book? A. The Pillow Book B. The Tale of Genji C. The Tale of Heian D. The Pillowcase Book

9. All of the following were Japanese art forms that you learned about, EXCEPT… A. Fashion B. Performing Arts C. Ceramics D. Visual Arts

Buddhism in Japan • Main Idea 2: – Buddhism changed in Japan during the Heian period. Talk to the hand!

Buddhism in Japan • The Buddhist religion became somewhat of an art form during the Heian period.

Buddhism in Japan • Japanese nobles loved Buddhism because it reflected their love for elaborate rituals. I had an awesome time

Buddhism in Japan • Most common people did not have the money for elaborate rituals. As a result, new forms of Buddhism began to develop in Japan. – Pure Land Buddhism – Zen Buddhism

Buddhism in Japan • Pure Land Buddhism – It was popular among the common people because it did not require special rituals.

Buddhism in Japan • Zen Buddhism – Involved self-discipline and meditation. Zen was popular among the warriors of Japan I like it! The Zen school of Buddhism was started by this man, Bodhidharma.

10. How did Buddhism change during Heian Japan? A. It became favored by the poor as many nobles refused to take part in rituals. B. It became blended with Confucianism. C. It became more like an art form with D. all of the required rituals they created. D. It became the required religion of E. Japan.

11. Why did Buddhism fall out of favor with some Japanese commoners? A. It focused too much on meditation. B. They feared that it gave to much power to the C. nobles. C. They disapproved of a foreign religion. D. The rituals were too costly.

12. Which statement is not true? A. Pure Land Buddhism did not require special rituals. B. Buddhism started in China and then came to Japan. - It started in India C. Samurai’s appreciated and often followed Zen D. Buddhism began to change during the Heian E. period.