Asuka

A culture and period in Japanese history during which the development of art, the introduction of Buddhism from Korea, and the adoption of a Chinese pattern of government were important. Located in the southwestern part of the Nara Basin (Yamato Plain), the culture flourished from 552-645 AD. In art history, the Asuka culture refers to early Buddhist art and architecture in the Northern Wei style. In chronology, the Asuka period refers more to the reign of Soga family during which Buddhism was promoted and a formal administrative structure with diplomatic relations was introduced. Many old temples and palaces are surviving examples of Asuka architecture, sculpture, and paintings.

The centre of cultural and political development in the southwestern part of the Nara Basin (also known as the Yamato Plain), Japan, during the 7th century. The Asuka culture and Asuka period are variously defined, emphasizing different aspects of the development. In art history, the Asuka culture refers to early Buddhist art and architecture in the Northern Wei style. The Asuka period refers more specifically to the reign of the Empress Suiko (592-628) when her nephew, as Regent, promoted Buddhism, introduced a formal administrative structure, sought diplomatic relations with the Sui, and began compiling the national history (see Nihon Shoki). In recent years many sites of old temples and palaces have been added to the surviving examples of Asuka architecture, sculpture and paintings. The original layout of Asukadera, the first formal temple built in Japan, was clarified by excavations in 1956-7. Continuing work at several sites of royal palaces shows a trend towards larger administrative quarters in relation to the private residential areas of the royal family.

A culture and period in Japanese history during which the development of art, the introduction of Buddhism from Korea, and the adoption of a Chinese pattern of government were important. Located in the southwestern part of the Nara Basin (Yamato Plain), the culture flourished from ad 552 to 645. In art history, the Asuka culture refers to early Buddhist art and architecture in the northern Wei style. In chronology, the Asuka period refers more to the reign of the Soga family during which Buddhism was promoted and a formal administrative structure with diplomatic relations was introduced. Many old temples and palaces are or contain surviving examples of Asuka architecture, sculpture, and paintings.