| This class surveys the religious arts of Japan, with a special focus on the expression of the sacred in visual form. Not only will we examine traditions such as kami worship (Shinto), Buddhism, and mountain cults, but we will also consider more general theories of sacred experience from other disciplines such as anthropology and religious studies. Each class will focus on a particular monument of Japanese art, ranging in date from the 6th century to the present day. Throughout the course, we will engage with questions concerning the status of the icon, the role of ritual, viewer reception, pilgrimage, and the natural world. The course is designed to complement the History of Art colloquium to be held in Fall of 2006, and so will also draw a great deal on theories of medieval European art. All are welcome. |
