About this episode
Kuiyi Shen discusses the significance of Japanese art during the Nara period, focusing on key works and cultural influences.
Kuiyi Shen, Professor of Art History, Theory, and Criticism at UC San Diego, offers a fascinating look at Japanese art during the Nara period, a golden age of court culture. He explores the Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji in Nara, from its monumental bronze casting to the throne imagery depicting the Western Paradise. Shen highlights the Four Heavenly Kings (Shitennō) and their symbolic armor, influenced by China’s Tang Dynasty. He also examines the Shōsōin Imperial Storehouse, built to protect treasures from China, Korea, and Japan. Combining Chinese architectural elements with Japanese granary design, it stands as a remarkable example of cultural exchange and adaptation that shaped the art and architecture of the era. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 40870]
People in this episode
Guest: Kuiyi Shen
Topics covered
- Japanese art
- Nara period
- cultural exchange
- court culture
- architecture
- bronze casting
Keywords
- Japanese art
- Nara period
- Great Buddha
- Shōsōin
- cultural exchange
- Tang Dynasty
- Four Heavenly Kings
- bronze casting
- court culture
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: UC San Diego, Tang Dynasty
Books & works: Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji, Shōsōin Imperial Storehouse, Four Heavenly Kings (Shitennō)
Places: Nara, China, Korea, Japan
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