butsuga

The term "butsuga" refers to Buddhist paintings, a significant aspect of Japanese art. These paintings often adorn household Buddhist altars, known as butsudans, which typically house an image of the principal family deity and ancestral tablets.12

Buddhist art, including paintings, has a rich history of symbolism, with specific iconographic systems dictating the design, subject matter, and imagery. In East Asian Buddhist art, Buddha is often depicted on a lotus throne or in a chariot, surrounded by celestial figures. The execution and subject matter of Buddhist paintings aim to deepen the viewer's experience of spirituality and mood. Artists' brush movements can symbolize a mystical connection with nature, and subjects like landscapes and flowers express a belief in the spiritual harmony of natural forms.3

The introduction of Buddhism to Japan during the Asuka period (538-552 CE) led to the assimilation of continental Buddhist art styles, including painting. While many early Buddhist paintings have not survived, surviving examples, like those on the Tamamushi Shrine, showcase narrative scenes from Buddhist cosmology and jataka tales. The style of these paintings often reflects influences from Indian and Chinese art.4