The Kamakura period (1185–1333) is considered a pinnacle of Japanese artistic expression; often described as a renaissance in Buddhist art. This catalogue is the first in over two decades to examine the exquisite sculpture of this period; artwork characterized by an intense corporeal presence; naturalistic proportions; a sense of movement; realistic drapery; and lifelike facial expressions animated by eyes made of inlaid crystal. The sculptures played an important role in the practice of Buddhism during these years; as the vivid representations facilitated an immediate communion between deity and worshipper. The custom of placing sacred relics; texts; and even miniature icons into the sculptures’ hollow interiors further enlivened the works and invested them with spiritual significance. Essays by noted scholars explore the sculptures’ arresting exteriors and powerful interiors; examining the technical and stylistic innovations that made them possible; and offering new context for their ritual and devotional uses. They demonstrate that the physical beauty and technical brilliance of Kamakura statues are profoundly associated with their spiritual dimension and devotional functions.
#811311 in Books imusti 2014-03-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.32 x 1.17 x 5.59l; 1.30 #File Name: 0300205228400 pagesYale University Press
Review
29 of 31 people found the following review helpful. An Excellent Overview of Modern RussiaBy Carl from ChicagoI picked up this book based on positive reviews in Bloomberg and elsewhere and was very impressed. I have a reasonably good understanding of Russia based on military history and a decent understanding of the global energy business.The first thing that comes to my mind is how brave the author must be to go around Russia asking questions about Putin. From my understanding and this book that is a very risky thing to do since the primary purpose of the security apparatus in Russia is to keep Putin in power.The book follows Putin from the chaos in post-collapse St Petersburg where he worked for a local politician through his election to presidency; the Medvedev years (which were actually the Putin years); and then back into his current stint in charge.The book is not all negative about Putin; which is what I find most interesting. The oligarchs that took control of the energy and media companies were extremely un popular and Putin brought them to heel. This was in fact popular among much of the population. He also took energy revenues and used them to pay some salaries and pensions and bring some modest amount of stability to the poor. And Moscow was substantially re built with sky scrapers and other elements. He also resolved (for the time being) the situation in Chechnya by allying with the current warlord and this momentarily resolved a horrible active war that was being fought in an embarrasing way for Russia.It is very interesting to see how close associates of Putin; even those in his Judo club and KGB days; have become billionaires. They have taken control of the energy infrastructure and then a swiss trading function is another source of his supposed vast personal wealth (unproven).Judah talks to Navalny; the activist against Putin's latest election; and this is insightful because today Navalny is subject to a phantom prosecution designed to deter him from elective office. You can jump between the articles in the book and the latest news and this is very helpful.There is a lot in this book. It covers an amazing amount of topics from coast to coast; including the border wars with China and the far; Far East. The author attempts nothing less than a comprehensive; border to border analysis of modern Russia.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Key text for understanding Russia todayBy A. D. BydzanOne of a handful of key texts for understanding Russia today. Deeply researched over five years in Russia. A great story.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Worthwhile Read!By BRIAN HARRISONA wonderfully researched book that gives one insights into the real Russia and the problems that Putin faces by not building the right institutions. Some of the examples were over used!
