Understanding Japanese Buddhist Sculpture Through Visual Comparison

A beginner’s guide to appreciating Buddha statues from a whole new perspective.

This book is an introductory guide to help you familiarize yourself with Buddhist sculpture, and the basic principal behind the book is understanding Buddhist sculpture through visual comparison. Avoiding explanations of Buddhist iconography, sculptural techniques, and the cultural and historical background of the works, this book aims to help you cultivate the ability to fully observe the expressiveness of Buddhist sculpture. By applying the steps and way of viewing recommended in this book, the impressions you have gained with your own eyes will leave a deeper impression in your mind, allowing you to make new discoveries each time you view a Buddhist statue, and also to deepen your appreciation. Armed with this book, you’ll find yourself consulting only the most basic information required as your own knowledge expands and you are guided to a more profound understanding of the world of Buddhist sculpture.

Born in Tokyo in 1950, Suzuki left Tohoku University after completing the Ph.D program. He was involved in managing the conservation of cultural properties (Nara Prefecture Board of Education, Agency for Cultural Affairs) and with exhibitions (The Museum Yamato Bunkakan, Nara National Museum). After retiring from the Nara National Museum, he has continued lecturing at various institutions. He currently resides in Nara.

Currently a resident of Kyoto, Michael Jamentz was born in the United States in 1948. He is a student of medieval Japanese culture, a lecturer at various universities, and a translator of numerous works dealing with Japanese art, literature and culture.