Deck 17: Japan Before 1333

Question 1

The Kondo or Golden Hall of the Horyuji illustrates the sturdy but graceful lines of early Japanese temple architecture. Which of the following did the Japanese builders base on Chinese models and follow for the Golden Hall?

A) wood as the primary source for the roofing material
B) thatch as the primary source for the roofing material
C) ceramic tile as the primary source for the roofing material
D) marble as the primary source for the roofing material

Answer 1

C

Question 2

During the Kamakura period, there was more frequent and positive contact with China. Which of the following developments was brought to Japan as a result of this contact?

A) Tendai Sect of Esoteric Buddhism
B) Shingon Sect of Esoteric Buddhism
C) Dug-pa Sect of the Kargyut-pa School
D) Zen Buddhism

Answer 2

D

Question 3

In the Yayoi period there was increased interaction with ____ and ____.

A) China and India
B) China and Korea
C) Korea and India
D) India and Tibet

Answer 3

B

Question 4

The earliest distinct culture to develop in Japan was ____.

A) Nara
B) Late Heian
C) Yayoi
D) Jomon

Question 5

Which of the following were among the earliest Japanese artifacts?

A) Jomon ceramics.
B) Nara lacquer figures.
C) Asuka Buddhist statues.
D) copies of Chinese objects.

Question 6

The Ise Shrine is ritually rebuilt every ____.

A) fifty years
B) century
C) millennia
D) twenty years

Question 7

According to the traditional interpretation, the Korean ruler of Paekche sent to the ruler of Japan a gilded bronze statue of Buddha and Buddhist scriptures, sutras. What period marks this event?

A) Early Nara
B) Late Heian
C) Asuka
D) Kamakura

Question 8

More direct relations and influences with China shortened the time lag between developments in China that subsequently transferred to Japan. This occurred during which of the following periods?

A) Yayoi
B) Jomon
C) Nara
D) Kamakura

Question 9

The central figure from the Shaka triad is the historical Buddha; he is presented in a trans historical guise. Which of the following phrases supports this statement?

A) presented as having achieved a higher state of being
B) presented as a portrait in the Western sense of the term
C) presented as a deity in the Shinto tradition
D) presented as a metaphor for imperial power

Question 10

"Buddhist architecture in Japan adhered closely to mainland standards." Why is this statement significant?

A) because the Japanese used only mainland architects
B) because mainland temple architecture was too experimental for the Japanese
C) because Japanese temples greatly assisted in the reconstruction of mainland temples
D) because the mainland would only export ready-made temple packages

Question 11

The commissioning of the Todaiji and its Great Buddha was an imperial attempt to unify and strengthen the country and imperial power. How was this attempt made?

A) By utilizing Kamakura Shogunate to reinforce imperial power
B) By utilizing Tang China allies to reinforce imperial power
C) By utilizing religious authority to reinforce imperial power
D) By utilizing shrewd alliances through marriage to reinforce imperial power

Question 12

The tumuli of the Kofun recall the earlier burial mounds of the Jomon and their funeral practices. Which of the following could describe this Jomon practice?

A) placing the dead in haniwa containers
B) placing the dead in ceramic palace-shaped sarcophagi
C) placing the dead on stone biers
D) placing the dead on sacred mountains

Question 13

Although the Kofun tombs contained many grave objects, including bronze mirrors from China, it is thought, based on the tomb's form and many of the grave goods, the tombs show a closer relationship with which country?

A) India
B) Korea
C) China
D) Tibet

Question 14

How does the Tale of Genji differ from its Chinese prototypes such as Gu Kaizhi's Admonitions scroll?

A) it focuses on lessons in exemplary behaviors
B) it focuses on imperial court etiquette as it relates to the Empress
C) it focuses on emotionally charged personal relationships
D) it focuses on diplomatic relations between China and Japan

Question 15

The Phoenix Hall, Byodoin, with its light exterior pillars, elevated wings, and reflective pond, is a physical metaphor for which of the following?

A) Buddha's celestial palace in the Pure Land
B) Kamakura imperial power
C) Fujiwara clan
D) Buddha's Parinirvana

Question 16

The treasures found in this temple serve today as significant holdings in eighth century pan-Asian culture. Many of the sculptures were inspired by the finest Tang Chinese art forms. Which of the following is that temple?

A) Golden Hall, Horyuji
B) Phoenix Hall, Byodoin
C) Daibutsuden
D) Todaiji

Question 17

The Tale of Genji supports the notion of the significant role played by which of the following in developing the painting style as seen in this scroll?

A) court gentlemen
B) court ladies
C) Kamakura Shogunate
D) Chinese Tang painters

Question 18

In 552 CE, the ruler of a Korean kingdom sent a gift to Japan that was to have a profound influence on the culture and the art of the country. Which of the following was that gift?

A) a copy of the Upanishads
B) a gilt-bronze figure of the Buddha
C) a figure of the dancing Siva
D) a producing silk worm

Question 19

A catastrophic fire occurred in 1949 and destroyed which of the following.

A) interior walls of the Phoenix Hall, Byodoin
B) the Phoenix Hall, Byodoin
C) the Golden Hall, Horyuji
D) interior walls of the Golden Hall, Horyuji

Question 20

Who is the deity associated with the Ise Shrine?

A) Buddha
B) Shaka
C) Amaterasu
D) Vishnu

Question 21

The standard form for the central mound of tumuli during the Kofun period is which of the following?

A) keyhole
B) beehive
C) wedge-shaped
D) triangular

Question 22

Who was Tori Busshi? What was his role in art history?

Question 23

The sculptor who created the Shaka triad for the Horyuji Kondo was ____.

A) Tori Busshi
B) Shunjobo Chogen
C) Lady Murasaki
D) Fujiwara Yorimichi

Question 24

How did haniwa figures function as grave offerings during the Kofun period?

Question 25

How does the Phoenix Hall, Byodoin reflect Pure Land Buddhism?

Question 26

During the Yayoi period, villages grew in size and developed fortifications; however the people continued to live in which of the following?

A) haniwa houses
B) mud huts
C) pit dwellings
D) stone houses

Question 27

Describe the construction material and method of the Ise Shrine.

Question 28

Briefly describe the early years after Buddhism was introduced into Japanese society.

Question 29

Paintings and sculptures of the Amida Buddha descending with a retinue to greet his followers were popular with members of which of the following sects?

A) Esoteric sects
B) Maitreya sects
C) Paradise sects
D) Hinayana sects

Question 30

What is the Taizokai (Womb World) and how does it reflect Shingon Buddhism?

Question 31

Explain the influence Tang China had on Japanese art during the Nara period.

Question 32

Briefly explain the Shinto religion.

Question 33

Explain the importance of the excavations of Emperor Nintoku's tumulus mound.

Question 34

How did the rebuilding of Nara represent an opportunity for experimentation in Japanese art?

Question 35

In Japanese sacred architecture, pagodas served as which of the following?

A) shrines
B) temples
C) a house for reliquaries
D) schools

Question 36

Jomon culture was the first distinctly Japanese culture. Which of the following did it develop first?

A) bronze-casting
B) Yamato-e painting
C) agriculture
D) ceramic technology

Question 37

In the Tale of Genji, the metaphor, which came to mean fading life and love and the season of autumn, is which of the following?

A) chrysanthemums
B) peonies
C) cherry blossoms
D) bush-clover

Question 38

Hiragana script became the primary script for court poetry during the Heian period. Originally this script served the needs of which of the following?

A) women of the court
B) court officials
C) courtesans
D) samurai

Question 39

Describe Shingon Buddhism and how it impacted Japan and Japanese art.

Question 40

The Legends of Mount Shigi represents a different facet of narrative handscroll painting. It belongs to which of the following genres?

A) pious Buddhist tales
B) lascivious court tales
C) journals of Japanese travelers to China
D) historical accounts of Nara court members

Question 41

How do these two images differ?

Question 42

What makes these two images significantly different?

Question 43

Contrast these images. How do they address "the story" and the reality of telling a story in scroll format?

Question 44

Explain the role women played in the development of painting during the Heian period. Use examples to support your essay.

Question 45

Describe the differences in style between the Shaka Triad and the Yakushi Triad. Include possible outside sources of influence.

Question 46

Describe Chinese influences on Japanese art and society. Discuss significant changes in Japanese art and architecture. Use examples to support your essay.

Question 47

Compare and contrast the sculpture of the Nara period with the sculpture of the Kamakura period. What changes occurred? Include in your discussion outside influences. Use examples to support your essay.

Question 48

What do these images depict, which is earlier, and what are its influences?

Question 49

Describe the patronage system in the Early Heian and Kamakura periods. How did these systems shape Japanese art and architecture? Use examples to support your essay.

Question 50

How did Japanese clans and kami interact during the Kofun period?

Question 51

How do these two images reflect Buddhism as practiced in Japanese society during the Heian period?

Question 52

Describe the innovations in technique and composition found in the Tale of Genji. Consider the Japanese imperial court at this time. How did the court influence this work?

Question 53

Briefly describe the Japanese workshop system.

Question 54

Compare and contrast the Nara and Heian periods. Include outside influences. How did these influences change Japanese art and society during these periods? Consider the importation of Buddhism as a religion. How did this new philosophy and religion re-shape Japanese esoteric thought and art? Use examples to support your essay.

Question 55

What is the Kei School?

Question 56

Describe the sacred architecture of Japan. Consider outside influences, and explain changes from original designs and construction. Use examples to support your essay.

Question 57

Briefly evaluate the Fujiwara contribution to Late Heian art and culture.

Question 58

Compare these two sacred buildings, what is the individual function of each, and how are they alike?

Question 59

Describe the Kamakura period. How did it impact Japanese art and society? Use examples to support your essay.

Question 60

Contrast these two images, how are they different, and how are they alike?

Question 61

How do these images reflect their respective periods, and what do they say about their societies as well?

Question 62

How do these buildings reflect imperial power and government?

Question 63

What is this building? What are the features that demonstrate Chinese architectural styles and influences?