모암문고 茅岩文庫 The Moam Collection

Asuka and Nara Periods (538–794) Miniature pagoda, early Nara period (710–794; ca. 767) Japan Wood This miniature wooden pagoda, which was originally painted white, is identical to the thousands displayed today at the Treasure House of Horyuji temple in Nara. Historical information on these small pagodas is found in two sources: the Shoku Nihongi (History of Japan Continued, 797) and the To..

Heian Period (794–1185) Zao Gongen, Heian period (794–1185), 11th–?12th century Gilt bronze, Japan The new capital was established in Heian-kyo (capital of "peace and tranquility," now known as Kyoto) in 794. Like Nara, it was laid out according to a grid pattern, following the Chinese precedent. Kyoto remained the nation's capital, albeit at times in name only, until 1867. In Kyoto, the ..

Asuka and Nara Periods (538–794) Miniature pagoda, early Nara period (710–794; ca. 767) Wood, Japan Japan's first historical epoch–the Asuka period, named for the area near Nara where the court resided–coincides with the introduction of Buddhism into the country. This new religion contained many ideas and images that were radically different from the concerns of native Shinto. Along wit..