Sacred Power and Imperial Faith: Art of Korea’s Three Kingdoms and Japan’s Nara Period

In this episode of AP Art History in 15, Mr. Bruns shifts the focus away from Baroque Europe and into East Asia, exploring powerful examples of early Korean and Japanese art and architecture. Travel with us to the ancient kingdoms of South Korea and Japan as we examine how materials, religious beliefs, and cultural traditions shaped artistic production.We begin with Korea’s Three Kingdoms Period and the stunning Gold and Jade Crown, likely created for Silla royalty. Learn how gold and jade communicated power, spirituality, and connections to nature, and how burial traditions influenced the crown’s design and craftsmanship. We also connect this work to other global elite burial objects across art history.Next, we travel to Nara Period Japan and explore the massive Buddhist temple complex of Todai-ji, located in Nara. This segment includes discussion of:The Great Buddha (Daibutsu)The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden)The Nandaimon GateThe famous wooden Guardian Figures (Niō)You’ll learn how imperial patronage, Buddhism, and environmental factors shaped these monumental works. Plus — stay for a fun historical fact about the sacred deer that still roam the temple grounds today.