The Asuka and Nara periods were named based on the location of the government at the time.[14] The Asuka period lasted from 538 to 710 AD when the government was located in the Asuka Valley. The Nara period followed and lasted from 710 to 794AD when the government was located in Nara. The arrival of Buddhism during these periods brought significant changes to Japanese culture including social, political and artistic customs. There were two stages of Buddhist art during this time, Tori Style and Hakuho culture.
Sculpture
 |
Kundra Kannon [15]
|
 |
Shaka Triad [15]
|
Buddhist sculpture art from this period is also known as Tori Style. It originated from the Chinese Wei style of sculpting.[15] Some characteristics of the style include slender bodies, almond-shaped eyes and draped clothes. A distinguishing facial feature seen in all Tori style sculptures was called the "archaic smile".[16] Examples of this style include Kudara Kannon at Hōryū-ji, the Asuka Daibutsu and the Shaka Triad.
Painting
 |
Takamatsu tumulus wall painting[17]
|
The Hakuho culture is also known as the Taika reforms. The murals of the Golden Hall (kando) are excellent examples of this painting style. Multiple layers of plaster were applied to the wall and were then punctured to make a sketch, or cartoon, of the design. An outline of the design was made by pouring colored sand into the punctured holes. Distinct characteristics of this style include the use of red outlines instead of black and consistent line art known as "iron-wire."[17]
References:
[14]The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica (1998) ‘Nara period | Japanese history’, in Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/event/Nara-period (Accessed: 23 February 2017).
[15]The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica (2011) ‘Tori style | Japanese sculpture’, in Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/art/Tori-style (Accessed: 23 February 2017).
[16]The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica (1999) ‘Archaic smile | Greek sculpture’, in Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/art/Archaic-smile (Accessed: 23 February 2017).
[17]Kawagoe, A. (2009) The art of Asuka. Available at: https://heritageofjapan.wordpress.com/inception-of-the-imperial-system-asuka-era/the-cultural-heritage-the-art-of-asuka/ (Accessed: 23 February 2017).
[15]The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica (2011) ‘Tori style | Japanese sculpture’, in Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/art/Tori-style (Accessed: 23 February 2017).
[16]The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica (1999) ‘Archaic smile | Greek sculpture’, in Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/art/Archaic-smile (Accessed: 23 February 2017).
[17]Kawagoe, A. (2009) The art of Asuka. Available at: https://heritageofjapan.wordpress.com/inception-of-the-imperial-system-asuka-era/the-cultural-heritage-the-art-of-asuka/ (Accessed: 23 February 2017).