Ashmolean Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

Buddhism arrived in Japan from China and Korea around AD 550. It was adopted as an official religion in the belief that it would bring with it the sophisticated culture of continental Asia and help to unify Japan.

Buddhism quickly took root in Japan, partly because of its willingness to co-exist with the native Shinto religion (the Way of the Gods). It had a great influence on art, architecture and literature.

The type of Buddhism now dominant in Japan is Mahayana Buddhism, which teaches that enlightenment is available to all, not just to those who lead a monk's life of self-discipline and meditation.

Today most Japanese consider themselves Buddhist, Shintoist or both. Religion does not usually play a big part in everyday life, but many people visit a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine at New Year and have Shinto wedding ceremonies and Buddhist funeral ceremonies.

Netsuke in the form of Daruma meditating (EA1956.3202)   Standing figure of the Buddha (EA1967.184)   Figure of the Buddha with a mandorla, or halo, seated on a lotus pedestal (EA1970.210)

Manjū netsuke depicting Daruma playing the kamifuki game (EA2001.61)   Standing Buddhist figure (EA2005.83)   Figure of a Shi-Tennō, a Guardian King of the Four Corners (EA1987.37)