| Heian: Konin and Jogan | 784-897 | Japanese art was strongly influenced by China, though the influence is likely to have come via Korea. Nara was the capital of Japan after 710. It had magnificent wooden temples and bronze sculpture. The capital was moved to Kyoto in 795. |
| Heian: Fujiwara | 897-1185 | Japanese art began to separate itself from that of China. The Tale of Genji (by Musasaki Shikibu, 987-1031) depicts the place of garden art in a refined culture. Zen Buddhism influenced painting and other arts. |
| Kamakura | 1185-1332 | The great period of religious sculpture ended with the Kamakura period. The capital was at Kamakura, 200 miles north of Kyoto. Knights (samurai) took control of the country from the nobles. |
| Ashikaga (or Muromachi) | 1333-1573 | The capital returned to Kyoto. Ink painting flourished. |
| Momoyama | 1573-1615 | An age of luxury in which art grew apart from religion. |
| Tokugawa (or Edo) (or Tugugawa) |
1615-1868 | The capital moved to Tokyo (which was formerly known as Edo). Japan was isolated from the outside world and took on a uniquely national character. The colour print became a notable art form. Lacquer, textiles and porcelain manufacture flourished. |
