Rediscovering Three-Dimentional Art in Japan

Mie Prefectural Art Museum

Tomotaka Yasui "Light" (2014) Photo: Nobutaka Sato

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Japan has a long history of three-dimensional art, from Buddhist and Shinto sculptures to dolls, objects d’art, architectural sculptures, and other works tied to both religion and daily life. With the introduction of Western sculpture in the Meiji period, however, many of these ancient art forms ceased to be recognized as fine arts as a line was drawn between sculpture and non-sculptural art. Nonetheless, three-dimensional works of superb skill were still produced during the following Edo period and these art forms were not lost. Today we can see their traditions continued in contemporary figurines, mascots, and other creations. See how three-dimensional art in Japan has evolved to the present day with 150 examples of multi-genre works.