Differences Between Chinese and Japanese Buddhist Art

Buddhism is a very important religion in the countries of China and Japan.  It has affected culture, politics, and philosophy for nearly two thousand years in both countries.  Buddhists in China and Japan are similar but they are also different in the way they express their beliefs through their art.

Buddhism is a major religion in China.  Along with Taoism and Confucianism, it is one of the three schools of thought in China.  Buddhism was introduced to China around 67 CE from merchants traveling to China from Central Asia.  Buddhism was officially introduced by two monks named Moton and Chufarlan.  Together, they established the White Horse Temple which still exists today.    During the 8th century Buddhism became very popular in China.  The development of Buddhist art soon followed with an emphasis on statues.  China incorporated strong Chinese qualities in the appearance of  their art.  

During the 5th and 6th centuries the Northern Dynasties started to develop Buddhist art that was very symbolic and was very abstract with its representation of the Buddhist culture.  The Northern Dynasty art was much different from the initial Buddhist art.  The original Buddhist art had the purpose of expressing the ideal of enlightenment in a realistic style.  Eventually the Buddhist art of China would go back to more of naturalism and realistic style leading to the expression of Tang Buddhist art.

Buddhist sculpture under the Tang dynasty was more life like than the previous art under the Northern Dynasties.  The Tang dynasty was very open to foreign trade and as a result Chinese Buddhist monks traveled often to India and brought back the influence of Indian Buddhist art.  Near the end of the Tang dynasty, the Emperor Wuzong outlawed all foreign religions which included Buddhism so he could support Taoism.  He confiscated Buddhist goods and forced Buddhists to go underground in order to continue their art.