Japanese art and antiques are well represented throughout this site. Try out the Japanese art glossary with pictures and detailed information covering a wide range of Japanese handicrafts and subjects such as mythology and symbolism.

Students learn to view Japanese paintings, they make a screen, and they learn about the culture of Japan. There are three lesson plans and all allow all needed materials to be downloaded.

Buddhism would revolutionize many aspects of Japanese life including music, dance, a new writing system, and above all, elaborate Buddhist art. View a picture of a Buddhist sculpture and read a brief history of Buddhism in Japan.

This sculpture shows Amitabha, identified as the Buddha of the Western Paradise. Read a brief history of Amitabha and the techniques used to make this sculpture.

This figure represents a Shinto goddess. Shinto images like this one were not meant to be seen but were kept hidden in movable cabinets in a special part of shrines, where they were privately worshiped. View a picture of this figure and...

This fierce-looking king is a symbolic protector of the Buddha's sacred law and also a fighter of evil spirits. View a picture of this statue and read a short description.

Learn about the origins of the Samurai, The First Warrior Government (The Kamakura Shogunate, 1185-1333, The Second Warrior Government: The Ashikaga Shogunate of the Muromachi Period (1338-1573), The Third Warrior Government: the...

This is a container to hold cold, fresh water made especially for use in the Japanese tea gathering. Its shape reminds us of a wooden bucket used to carry water from a well, but it is made out of porcelain, a glazed ceramic fired at a...

Two examples of Japanese scroll paintings are found here with very little information.