Hakuhō period

[1] Beginning with the Taika Reforms, the period saw a shift towards more structured, more bureaucratic forms of government, based largely on Chinese models.

Though the capital was moved again only sixteen years later, this represented an important step in the development of the Yamato state, the seat of power which had been quite transitory and nomadic up until this point.

Hundreds of Buddhist temples were built in the Hakuhō period, including Kawara-dera, Daikandai-ji, and Yakushi-ji in Fujiwara-kyō, in styles showing considerable Tang-dynasty China influence.

And they played a major role in designing and constructing these temples, teaching and training their Japanese counterparts.

[9] However, in Japan, the wood carved statues which would come to dominate in later centuries began to appear as early as the Hakuhō period.

All were originally painted and gilded, and bear rounder forms with a stronger impact of three-dimensionality than the Asuka period statues of earlier decades.

[12] A number of Buddhist statues at Yakushi-ji temple are counted among the finest extant examples of Hakuhō period sculpture, reflecting the influence of Tang Chinese styles more strongly than their counterparts in Hōryū-ji.