Understanding Japanese Buddhist Sculpture through Visual Comparison: (Pocket Guide Series) - Softcover

Yoshihiro Suzuki; Michael Jamentz

Softcover

ISBN 10: 4756252389 ISBN 13: 9784756252388

Publisher: Pie International Co., Ltd., 2020

Synopsis

A beginner's guide to appreciating Buddha statues from a whole new perspective.

This is a ground-breaking guide book focusing on how you can receive a stronger impression when appreciating Buddha statues. People tend to look at the sculptures absentmindedly, experiencing the statues as a confirmation of the information they read or heard before. This way of viewing tends to quickly diminish the impression of the art work. But how can we deepen our impression and excitement towards each Buddha statue?

This book presents different perspectives and steps to help reader go one step further when appreciating Buddha statues. For example, readers are invited to compare two Buddha statues (the same icon from a different eras), and observing them from all 360 degrees. Comparing the statues like this reveals the subtle differences of style, such as proportion, mass, atmosphere, movement, drapery, posture, modeling, and contour, gradually making readers understand the characteristics and trend of eras and the manner of the carvers. Also, while other guide books tend to focus on academic facts and trivia, this book leans more towards the works' style and beauty.

This book is for those who are interested in appreciating Buddha statues but don't know how to, and for those who can feel the magnificence of the wonderful piece of art but don't know how to delve deeper. No special background information is necessary to appreciate Buddha statues. With this new point of view presented by Yoshihiro Suzuki, an honorary member of the Nara National Museum, who now gives lectures in Japan on how to appreciate Buddha statues, readers will be able to see Buddha statues from a whole new perspective and spend a more fulfilling time in museums. Readers will surely be intrigued by the deep world of Buddha statues. This book collects many national treasures and important cultural properties such as the Standing Kongo Riksihi statues in the Nandaimon gate at Todaiji, the Seated Chogen Shonin (Todaiji Temple, Nara), the Standing Mujaku Bosatsu (Asanga Bodhisattva) and Senshin Bosatsu (Vasubandhu Bodhisattva), and the Standing Demons Tentoki and Ryutoki.

About this title

About the Author

Born in Tokyo in 1950, Suzuki left Tohoku University after completing the Ph.D program. He was involved in managing the conservation of cultural properties (Nara Prefecture Board of Education, Agency for Cultural Affairs) and with exhibitions (The Museum Yamato Bunkakan, Nara National Museum). After retiring from the Nara National Museum, he has continued lecturing at various institutions. He currently resides in Nara.

Currently a resident of Kyoto, Michael Jamentz was born in the United States in 1948. He is a student of medieval Japanese culture, a lecturer at various universities, and a translator of numerous works dealing with Japanese art, literature and culture.

From the Back Cover

When we look a Buddhist statue relying on information we have previously learned about types, periods, and creators of the statue, we tend to walk by the statue after scanning the caption and giving only a casual glance at its appearance and little thought to how it was made. Once we confirm the previously learned information about the statue, the statue itself immediately begins to fade from our minds. What then would be helpful in providing a more lasting appreciation of such works? This book introduces the necessary steps and a way to view Buddhist sculpture that will lead to a deeper appreciation. By applying the basic steps and way of viewing recommended in this book, you can deepen the impressions that you gain with your own eyes. This will allow you to make new discoveries each time you view a Buddhist sculpture, as well as deepening your understanding. Armed with this book, you'll find yourself needing to consult only the most basic information as your own knowledge expands and you are guided to a more profound understanding of the world of Buddhist sculpture.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pie International Co., Ltd.
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 4756252389
• ISBN 13: 9784756252388
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128