Buddhism probably came to the central plains of China in 2 BC, during the Western Han dynasty. From there it gradually spread throughout China. After reaching its apogee during the Sui dynasty (581–618) and the Tang dynasty (618–907) it went into decline. Over the course of its long history in China, Buddhism was naturally influenced by indigenous Chinese beliefs, especially those of Confucianism and Daoism, eventually shedding its Indian character and evolving into a distinct system complete with its own schools of thought and practice.

Chinese Buddhist Statue

Chinese artisans began to produce Buddhist statues soon after the arrival of Buddhism to the Chinese heartland. Over the course of many centuries these statues were gradually influenced by both doctrinal developments and Chinese aesthetic tastes, resulting in a distinctively Chinese style of Buddhist art.

Painting

The subject matter of Buddhist paintings mainly consists of two broad categories: images of buddhas and bodhisattvas; and stories from the scriptures, especially those relating to Sakyamuni Buddha. Early Chinese Buddhist painting was characterized by exact delineation and enriched colors, and was intended to provide rich embellishment and create an air of sanctity in the temples. During the Tang dynasty, however, a new style characterized by the freehand brushwork pioneered by Wang Wei came into vogue, and since then has continued to have a strong influence on Buddhist art.

Water-earth Painting

“Water-earth paintings” are hung up and consecrated as part of the Water-earth Ceremony, the largest and most elaborate ceremony of Chinese Buddhism. The subject matter of water-earth paintings is very diverse, and in addition to Buddhist themes, they also utilize subject matter drawn from Confucianism, Daoism, and folk religions.