Japanese historians generally maintain that the medieval age began with the Insei period, around 1100-1185. Some scholars, however, argue that the tenth or even the ninth century marks the beginning of medieval times. As I understand it, these theories are based on the rise of the bushi or developments in the shōen landholding system and the kenmon system of shared power among court, warriors, and religious institutions.  

Needless to say,  periodization may be different in the field of art history. However historical developments in general are closely related to art historical fields, especially regarding the making of Buddhist statues. In this presentation, I ask when the medieval age began in Japanese Buddhist sculpture. I analyze this question from three viewpoints, Buddhist statuary, sculptors and studios, and patronage. The viewpoint, I find, leads to different answers. And we have to think about the larger question,  “What is ‘chūsei’?”  In introducing my research to you, I hope to hear your own ideas based on your own fields of study regarding this question.