Japanese sculptural style of the early Heian period , seen primarily but not exclusively in Buddhist sculptures.
The massive figures, carved from single blocks of wood, are columnar, erect, and symmetrical and have large round faces, large lips, wide noses, and wide eyes, almost geometrically simplified. The drapery, composed of alternating series of small and large waves, is its most distinguishing feature. The technique was first seen on the drapery of the colossal image of the Buddha at Bāmīān, Afg.; Chinese and Japanese pilgrims brought back holy images and used them as prototypes for their own sacred images.