It was later brought to Korea and Japan. On its way eastward, Buddhism absorbed elements of local religions, resulting in various Buddhist art styles. Room 5 houses exhibits of Buddhist sculptures from China, India and Pakistan. While Buddhist sculptures can be made from stone, metal, wood, clay and lacquer, stone sculptures were most popular in China. Chinese, stone Buddhist sculpture ranges from large, stone, relief sculpture from cave-temples in Yungang, Longmen, Gongxuan, to small, stone Buddhas for temples or private worship.
Chinese sculpture is based on the concept of li , or reason.
The characteristic of realistic expression in Chinese sculpture is based on this fundamental li principle. This Homepage and all text and graphics herein are the property of the Kyoto National Museum. All rights reserved.