Kamakura
Subtitle: realism and spirituality in the sculpture of Japan
By: edited by Ive Covaci
Contributors: Asia Society. Museum
Publisher: Yale University Press
Published: 2016
Language: eng
Number of pages: 175
ISBN-13: 9780300215779
Subjects: Buddhist sculpture; Exhibitions; Japanese Sculpture
Other titles: Realism and spirituality in the sculpture of Japan
Description: "The Kamakura period (1185-1333) is considered a pinnacle of Japanese artistic expression, often described as a renaissance in Buddhist art. This catalogue is the first in over two decades to examine the exquisite sculpture of this period, artwork characterized by an intense corporeal presence, naturalistic proportions, a sense of movement, realistic drapery, and lifelike facial expressions animated by eyes made of inlaid crystal. The sculptures played an important role in the practice of Buddhism during these years, as the vivid representations facilitated an immediate communion between deity and worshipper. The custom of placing sacred relics, texts, and even miniature icons into the sculptures hollow interiors further enlivened the works and invested them with spiritual significance. Essays by noted scholars explore the sculptures arresting exteriors and powerful interiors, examining the technical and stylistic innovations that made them possible, and offering new context for their ritual and devotional uses. They demonstrate that the physical beauty and technical brilliance of Kamakura statues are profoundly associated with their spiritual dimension and devotional functions"--Publisher's website.
Notes: Catalog of the exhibition at the Asia Society Museum, New York, February 9-May 8, 2016.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 161-164) and indexes.
Table of contents: title: President's foreword / Josette Sheeran; title: Museum preface / Peggy Loar and Marion Kocot; title: Curator's acknowledgments / Ive Covaci; title: Funders of the exhibition; title: Lenders to the exhibition; title: Note to the reader; title: Enlivened images : Buddhist sculpture of the Kamakura period / Ive Covaci; title: A short history of the Kei school / Samuel C. Morse; title: Softening their light, mingling with the dust : Japanese gods in Buddhist art / Hank Glassman; title: The transfer of divine power : replicas of miraculous Buddhist statues / Nedachi Kensuke; title: Catalogue / Ive Covaci and D. Max Moerman. Form and presence ; Ritual and devotional contexts ; Empowering interiors; title: Map: The provinces of Japan in the 1330s; title: Timeline of selected art historical, historical, and religious events of the Kamakura period.