This class surveys the religious arts of the Japanese archipelago from pre-history to the present day, focusing especially on different notions of sacred images and places. It considers how sculpture, painting, architecture, decorative arts, and topography work in concert to produce and condition particular experiences of the sacred. Not only will we examine traditions such as kami worship (Shintô), Buddhism, mountain cults, and Christianity in Japan, we will also consider more general theories of sacred experience from other disciplines such as anthropology and religious studies. The course will also consider sacred traditions in Ainu and Ryūkyūan cultures as well.

Each class will focus on a particular monument or set of objects from the Japanese archipelago, ranging in date from the sixth century to the present day. Throughout the course, we will engage questions concerning the status of the icon, the role of ritual, viewer reception, pilgrimage, views of the natural world, and colonial encounters. The class provides both an overview of the religious currents of Japan as seen through art as well as an introduction to visual analyses of material culture.

No prior knowledge is required. All undergraduate and graduate students are welcome!

Textbooks/Other Materials: All required readings and other preparatory materials will be provided in pdf format.

Course Requirements: The course assessment and percentages will be determined in consultation with the students in the class. Tentatively, the grade will be determined by classroom participation (35%), an in-class presentation (10%), a series of short assignments (25% total), and a final project & presentation (30%)

Intended Audience: Undergraduates with an interest in Japan, Buddhism, religious art; no background in Asian Studies, Religious Studies, or Art History is required. Graduate students may register with instructor permission.

Class Format: two 100-minute seminar discussions per week (first half of the semester)

Estimated Cost of Materials: $0-50

HISTART Concentration Distributions: Asia, Medieval & Early Modern

Keywords: Buddhism, Shinto, Japan, Ryukyu, Okinawa, Ainu