TORI STYLE

in Japanese art, style of sculpture that emerged during the Asuka period (ad 552645) and lasted into the Nara period (645794). It was derived from the Chinese Northern Wei style (ad 386534). It is called Tori after a sculptor of Chinese descent whose only known piece is a Buddhist triad, which was made in AD 623 as a memorial to Prince Shotoku. It represents the Buddha Sakyamuni (Shaka) seated on a throne that is flanked on either side by bodhisattvas, with a great mandorla behind. Works in true Tori style are very reminiscent of Northern Wei sculpture found at the site of Lung-men in China. Stylistic characteristics include slender, elegant bodies, a strong linear interest in drapery, and a tendency toward squatness in the proportion of the faces and also in the relationship of the body to the feet.