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Nara Period
645-794
During the Nara period the power and influence of Buddhism grew. The Japanese constructed many temples to accommodate the growing numbers of worshippers and clergy. Much of this activity was due to the efforts of Emperor Shomu (r. 729-749), a great patron of Buddhism. Buddhist deities in bronze, wood, clay and lacquer were commissioned to fill temples. It was during this period that the colossal bronze Buddha (Daibutsu) of Todai-ji temple was constructed to ensue the prosperity and protection of the entire nation. Increased contact with China caused paintings and sculpture to be modeled closely on the style of the contemporary T'ang dynasty.
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