OSPKYOTO 58: A Journey into the Buddhist Visual Arts of Japan (Way: A-II)

Instructor: Catherine Ludvik

Buddhism has had an enormous impact on the arts and culture of Japan, and nowhere is this more visibly manifest than in the ancient capital of Kyoto, renowned for its numerous temples and their visual arts. Amidst the ideal setting of this old, traditional, yet vibrantly contemporary city, we will explore the historical as well as modern Buddhist visual arts of Japan, in the context of the ritual, devotional, and meditative traditions of various sects of Japanese Buddhism. Focusing on selected historical temples and their icons, we will study image production, iconography, representational strategies, as well as the ritual and visual functions of Buddhist sculpture and painting. We will also examine architectural and landscape elements of temple layouts, within which iconographic programs are framed, images are enlivened, and practices centered on these devotional and ritual art works are performed. Drawing on the magnificent visual arts of Kyoto and nearby Nara, classes will be conducted also at temples as well as museums.

Units: 3-4 | Grading Basis: Letter grade | Way: A-II | Departmental Credit: Art History, Religious Studies | Component: Lecture

*All courses are subject to change.