Buddhism reached Japan in the six century through China and the Korean Peninsula via silk road.
Having changed styles and attribures under the influence of customs and cultures of various regions in Asian contiment,Buddhist sculpture(Butsu-Zo) followed an unique course of development after its arrival in Japan.
With their sophisticated technique of construction, Japanese sculptors adapted the original continental styles and created imagery with a softer and more delicate appearance that met Japanese cultural taste.
In Japan, the most common material of Buddhist sculpture is wood, which become prevalent especially following the Heian period (end of the eighth centurey). Many Buddhist statues from ancient and medieval time are still preserved at temples all over Japan and worshipped by Japanese people today.
Photo : Seted Shaka Nyorai (Asuka Daibutsu),Asuka - dera temple (Ango-in temple)
Nara.