Japanese encounters with Ajanta

Japanese encounters with Ajanta, spanning nearly two centuries since its discovery in 1819, highlight a significant cultural exchange between Japan and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ajanta Caves. The study reveals that Japanese scholars, particularly from the Meiji to Taisho periods, played a pivotal role in studying Ajanta, with notable contributions such as the Otani expedition's survey of Buddhist sites and attempts by Japanese artists to copy Ajanta paintings. Influenced by figures like Kakuzō Okakura, who revered Indian art, these encounters marked a vibrant cultural dialogue after an almost 2000-year hiatus following the excavation of the early caves. The research traces this historical relationship, offering insights into how Japan perceived and engaged with Ajanta through scholarly and artistic endeavors.

Fukuyama, Y. (2020). Japanese encounters with Ajanta. Culture as Power, 189–208. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429316531-12