Fujiwara Style

Fujiwara style, Japanese sculptural style of the Late Heian period (897–1185), known also as the Fujiwara period. Although many sculptures at the beginning of the period are in essence continuations of the Jōgan style, by the middle of the period a radical change had occurred in the style of the principal icons. This was partly the effect of the advent of the new Jōdō sect of Buddhism, which relied more upon emotional appeal than did the older esoteric sects; one needed simply to adore Amida to be saved.

The sculpted figures were still full and fleshy, but they were also more elegant and appeared to be lighter in weight. There is a complete use of polychrome, with an elaborate development of cut-gold, or kirikane, patterns on the draperies. The softness of modelling, quite unlike the powerful forms of earlier periods, is the result of a joined-wood technique invented by the sculptor Jōchō, which allowed the sculptor greater freedom and delicacy of expression. The facial type is aristocratic, almost effeminate, with a small rosebud mouth, high arching eyes, and a narrow, short, sharp nose. Remnants of older traditions persisted in this style, but these were overlaid by the new Fujiwara interest in decorative effect that is seen especially in the applied jewelry, which in earlier periods had been painted or modelled on the surface of the sculpture.