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Three Kingdoms Period in Korea
The Three Kingdoms Period of ancient Korea (57 BCE – 668 CE) is so-called because it was dominated by the three kingdoms of Baekje (Paekche), Goguryeo (Koguryo), and Silla. There was also, though, a fourth entity, the Gaya (Kaya) confederation...
Definition
Asuka Period
The Asuka Period (Asuka Jidai) of ancient Japan covers the period from 538 CE to 710 CE and, following on from the Kofun Period (c. 250-538 CE), so constitutes the latter part of the Yamato Period (c. 250-710 CE). For some scholars the period...
Definition
Ancient Korean Sculpture
The sculpture of ancient Korea was dominated by Buddhist themes such as figurines and monumental statues of the Buddha and his followers, and large bronze bells for temples. Gilded-bronze was the most common material used by Korean sculptors...
Definition
Emperor Kammu
Emperor Kammu (aka Kanmu) reigned in ancient Japan from 781 to 806 CE and is most noted for relocating the capital to Heiankyo (Kyoto) in 794 CE. Kammu was one of the most powerful emperors Japan had seen or would ever see, and his reign...
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Buddhism in Ancient Japan
Buddhism was introduced to ancient Japan via Korea in the 6th century CE with various sects following in subsequent centuries via China. It was readily accepted by both the elite and ordinary populace because it confirmed the political and...
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Life in a Japanese Buddhist Monastery
Buddhist monasteries have been part of the Japanese cultural landscape ever since the 7th century CE, and they remained both powerful and socially important institutions right through the medieval period. Today, many of Japan's finest examples...
Article
Famous Buddhist Monks of Ancient Korea
Throughout ancient Korea's history Buddhist monks were a particularly important element of state and religious affairs. From the 4th century CE onwards, in the Three Kingdoms period, they were members of a select section of society which...
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Unified Silla Kingdom Gold Buddha
A gold Buddha statuette from the Unified Silla Kingdom (668-918 CE), Korea. From a stone pagoda at the Hwangbok-sa temple site, Gyeongju before 706 CE. Height 12.5 cm (National Museum of Korea, Seoul, South Korea)
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Toji Temple Complex in Kyoto
The Toji Temple Complex is a World Heritage Site located in Kyoto, Japan. With a series of structures and a fine, tall wooden pagoda, Toji remains a popular temple to visit in Kyoto. The temple was first built between 794-796 CE by decree...
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Toji Temple and Gardens in Kyoto
The Toji Temple Complex is a World Heritage Site located in Kyoto, Japan. With a series of structures and a fine, tall wooden pagoda, and beautiful gardens, Toji remains a popular temple to visit in Kyoto. The temple was first built between...