Japan Quiz

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Wedded Rocks.

Futamigaura, Ise-Shima National Park

Rock symbolizes the relationship between Japan's creation deities.

Husband Rock features a Torii.

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Torii

A gate that marks the entrance to a Shinto Shrine.

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Izanagi

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Male deity from Japanese creation myth.

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Izanami

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Female deity from Japanese creation myth.

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Shinto

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"The way of the Gods"

- Originally functioned without scriptures.

- Japan's native religion.

- Emphasis on rituals.

- Harmonious relationship with nature.

- Kami that exist in nature.

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Amaterasu

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Sun goddess born from Izanagi's left eye.

The imperial family are direct descendants.

Emperor is considered to be a kami.

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Shinto Worship

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Kamidana: "kami shelf" place of worship at home.

Holds the names of deceased ancestors/statues of deities.

Purify, present offering, clap hands to announce presence, say prayers.

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Shinto Shrines

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Kami are worshiped in wooden structures that express the Shinto practice of veneration of nature.

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Main Hall, Inner Shrine

Island of Honshu

Isa-jingu, Mie perfecture

Rebuilt 2013

Houses kami of Amaterasu

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Ikebana

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"The way of flowers"

a disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together

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Sacred Grove

Miyako Island, Okinawa

Intrinsic beauty of natural materials, natural asymmetry, and handcrafted items.

The rope = wedded rocks

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Jomon

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14,000-300 BCE

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Vessel

Jomon culture

12,000 BCE

Low-fired clay

Hunter-gatherer society

Used coil-building technique

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Vessel

Middle Jomon; more ornate

ca. 2500-1500 BCE

Low-fired clay

Abundance of clay vessels indicate an increase in population and a more sedentary lifestyle.

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Reconstructed Jomon Pit Dwelling

Sannai Maruyama, Aomori City

Constructed of wood and covered with a thatched roof.

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Figurine

Late Jomon

1500-1000 BCE

Low-fired clay

More sedentary society

Possibly a fertility figurine

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Nonakado Stone Circle

Late Jomon: 1500-1000 BCE

Oyu, Akita prefecture

Jomon people buried their dead. The stone circle marks a burial pit.

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Yayoi era

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300 BCE - 300 CE

Rice cultivation was introduced and became widespread. Hence the adoption of other more sedentary activities such as wheel pottery, cloth making, and metal working.

Societal hierarchies formed.

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Dotaku

Late Yayoi: 2nd-3rd century CE.

Bronze

Ceremonial object; not a instrument. Though the concept of dotaku did evolve from Korean or Chinese bells.

Used in rites to promote soil fertility and the harmonious relationship between human and cosmos.

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Detail of Dotaku

Yayoi: 100 - 300 CE

Bronze

Depicts hunting and agriculture scenes.

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Pedestal and Assorted Vessels

Yayoi: 100 BCE - 100 CE

Painted earthenware

Produced using coil and wheel techniques. Emphasize smooth and thin walls, less decorative than Jomon ware

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Yayoi 1st - 3rd century

Terracotta

Some Yayoi ceramics where just painted with a layer of red paint. Others are incised with patterns.

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Yoshinogari

Discovered in 1986 in Kyshu.

From 1st - 3rd century

Ceremonial Hall.

Similar to design of Shinto Shrines

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Banknote featuring Empress Jingu.

Conquered Korean kingdoms while pregnant with future emperor Ojin.

One of a few women to be depicted on a money.

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After Yayoi

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Konfu

300 - 552 CE

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Tomb of Emperor Nintoku

Osaka

4th - 5th century

Shape similar to dotaku

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Sueki Vessel

Sueki ware; fine gray-green pottery

Kofun; 6th century

Hign-fired pottery, ash glaze. Popular pottery for the ruling classes.

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Magatama

Kofun; 5th - 6th century

Jadeite

Symbol of divine authority

Often found on Korean crowns from the period as well.

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Haniwa Falconer

Konfu; 6th century

Terracotta

Pottery figures found in the slopes of leader's burial mounds.

Thought to either prevent the slopes from collapsing or to protect the site from evil spirits.

Very detailed

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Haniwa Female Shaman

Kofun; 6th century

Terracotta

Rare. Her elaborate dress indicates high status, a show Korean trade influence.

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Offering to Kami at Ise-jingu, home of Amaterasu.

Paper symbolizes purity.

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Horyu-Ji

Asuka perios; 6th century

Founded in 607. Caught fire in 670. Rebuilt in 6th century.