While Heian Period sculpture of the late ninth century was mostly a continuation of the Jogan style of wood carving established earlier in the century, it also saw the creation of some works in a new and different style. In such sculptures as the Ninna-ji Amida Triad (888) and the Seiryo-ji Amida Triad (896), for example, the traditional style existing since the Nara Period has been fused with the style of T'ang China and further refined. In these works, we can see the beginnings of the socalled wa-yo (Japanese style). At first glance, this may appear to be an exception to the general trend, but sources like Kanke Bunso (900) by Sugawara Michizane reveal that there already existed among the aristocratic class at the time an environment that extolled the concept of miyabi (elegance, refinement, and luxury) in art. In my view, these works, which I have identified as "NinnaKanpyo period" sculptures, lead stylistically to such tenth century works as the Yakushi Sanzon and Nyoirin Kannon at Daigoji.

文学部創設百周年記念論文集I
Treatise