Art in Japanese Esoteric Buddhism

Art in Japanese Esoteric Buddhism by Takaaki Sawa, 151 pages

Esoteric Japanese Buddhism, in contrast to the exoteric variety, maintained that the substance of Buddhist teaching exceeded the intellect's powers of comprehension, and therefore sought to embody it in ritual practice.  For this very reason, the tradition produced a rich array of art and architecture to aid in the expression of mysteries that lie beyond (and behind) words.

Art in Japanese Esoteric Buddhism ably showcases a wide selection of medieval Japanese buildings, sculptures, paintings, and mandalas, many of which benefit from remaining in their intended cultural and religious context.  Inevitably, the book touches on obscure elements of Japanese Buddhism, unfortunately, it does not have the space necessary to explain them.