Keywords
Art History
General Terms
Lit. "ancient periods." A period that includes the introduction of Buddhism to Japan in 530/552, the Asuka period (552-646), the early and late Nara periods (646-794), and the Heian period (794-1185). Architecture during these centuries showed strong Chinese influence tempered gradually by Japanese taste. During the 12th century, the term *wayō 和様 (Japanese style) came to be used for the architectural styles developed between 530-1185 to distinguish it from the new styles developed after that period.