Living Buddhist Statues in Early Medieval and Modern Japan - by S Horton (Paperback)

About the Book

Straddling the divide between art history and religious studies, "Face to Face with the Buddha" examines several surprising functions of Buddhist statues, all of which helped rapidly spread Buddhist beliefs among the populace in tenth and eleventh century Japan.

Book Synopsis

A study of the surprising functions of Buddhist statues, which helped disseminate Buddhist beliefs among the populace in Tenth- and Eleventh-century Japan. Using ethnographic data drawn from present-day fieldwork and marshalling ancient textual evidence, Horton reveals the historical origins and development of modern Japanese beliefs and practices.

Review Quotes

"This is an excellent cross-disciplinary study that makes a valuable contribution to Japanese Buddhist studies - one that serious scholars in this field should read... Highly recommended." - CHOICE"[T]he book's emphasis on contemporary practices and attitudes, its focus on some of the little-studied texts that underlie these things, and its attention to a wide range of icons are fresh and welcome approaches; the medieval rituals and the miraculous stories Horton presents about Buddhist images are valuable documents." - Fabio Rambelli, Sapporo University

About the Author

SARAH J. HORTON is Assistant Professor in the Department of Religious Studies, Macalester College, USA.