The concept of 'regeneration' can be seen in multifarious aspects of Japanese culture. In early Japanese history, the importance of regeneration is particularly striking. Regeneration manifested itself in such diverse forms as the transfer of the Capital, the rebuilding of Shinto Shrines (of which Ise Jingu was and still is a prime example), and the transfer of Buddhist Temples. In Medieval Japan, regeneration can be seen in the art of ikebana (flower arranging), or through the transitory outlook of the world contained in the writings of Kamo no Chomei, or even in the sculptural works of Unkei and his pupils housed at Todai ji and Kofuku ji. Regeneration here does not mean just a rebirth or merely creating something anew, it means a resuscitation or a rebringing to life forces already present. Through the concept of regeneration one can begin to understand the Japanese artistic consciousness. Perhaps one could even say that regenaration can be seen through current archaeological excavations and art historical surveys. In this paper, 1 focus my discussion of the concept of regeneration as manifested in early Japanese history on the many relocations of the ancient Imperial Palace.

特集「審美学百年」記念論文集 美学美術史学の現在