The Asuka Period
The asuka period was the period when Japan showed much transformation through their architecture and fine-arts. This period was mainly influenced by Buddhism from China and Korean Peninsula. This period took place from 552 AD -710 AD. The term "asuka" was first used to describe a time in Japan of their fine-arts and architecture. Japan's main religion at that time was the Shinto religion. So during this time not only the architecture was changed, but also the fundamental base of their religion; Buddhism.
The previous buildings, which were simple and easily constructed, changed under the Chinese influence of buildings, which were very intricate and sophisticated. Even though many rules and exceptions followed the Chinese way, their buildings were not identical. The Japanese still kept some ways of building traditional, and kept to their rules as well. Japan at that time had very beautiful natural scenery, in which the forests were orderly mannered and tamed, so their buildings were built out of natural materials such as wood to complement the nature and not to protest against it. However China had much more immense, wild mountains, therefore their structure was built to have a protection aspect to it as well. They did this by using heavy materials such as solid rocks and stones.
Unfortunately many of these stunning traditional temples have been burnt down due to the primary material being wood. Only a few of these temples remain today, such as the example picture.
The structure of many buildings were also represented and symbolized many different things. An example of this was the five story Pagoda The five stories represented the five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, Sky.
The previous buildings, which were simple and easily constructed, changed under the Chinese influence of buildings, which were very intricate and sophisticated. Even though many rules and exceptions followed the Chinese way, their buildings were not identical. The Japanese still kept some ways of building traditional, and kept to their rules as well. Japan at that time had very beautiful natural scenery, in which the forests were orderly mannered and tamed, so their buildings were built out of natural materials such as wood to complement the nature and not to protest against it. However China had much more immense, wild mountains, therefore their structure was built to have a protection aspect to it as well. They did this by using heavy materials such as solid rocks and stones.
Unfortunately many of these stunning traditional temples have been burnt down due to the primary material being wood. Only a few of these temples remain today, such as the example picture.
The structure of many buildings were also represented and symbolized many different things. An example of this was the five story Pagoda The five stories represented the five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, Sky.
Shinto Shrines
Shrines were also used during this time to "protect" the Gods, as well as providing a place of worship. Here were the most popular shrines.
Komainu
These dog like statue's made out of stone are places by an entrance of a shrine, which was meant to protect it as well as ware away evil spirits. There are always two of these statues, usually facing each other, one with its mout closed and one with it opened. The open mout statue was called "a" and the closed mouth statue was called "um".
The "a" is pronunciation of the first letter in the Sanskrit alphabet (Hindu alphabet), and "um" pronounces the last letter. This simply represents the begining and end to all things. the two syllables joined together' "aum" is a sacred syllable word to many different religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
The "a" is pronunciation of the first letter in the Sanskrit alphabet (Hindu alphabet), and "um" pronounces the last letter. This simply represents the begining and end to all things. the two syllables joined together' "aum" is a sacred syllable word to many different religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Tori
This was a gate to most shrines. It represents the division of the normal world towards the divine world. Usually before passing through the gates of the tori, there are a flight of stairs symbolizing God's high mark and heaven.
Traditionally, The Tori gates were made out of wood and stone, but now, modern day Tori's are made our of stainless steel, copper and other modern day materials to help them last longer for tourists.
Traditionally, The Tori gates were made out of wood and stone, but now, modern day Tori's are made our of stainless steel, copper and other modern day materials to help them last longer for tourists.
Chozuya
This is a small pavilion near the main hall where it is accessible to ladies and men. Before praying, people come in to wash their hands and mouth before praying. They do this to wash away all evil spirits and thoughts and words, and to start praying with a pure and fresh mind.