After the unification of China in AD 589, the vibrant cultures of the Sui (589-618) and Tang (618-907) dynasties provided stimulus for administrative and artistic developments in both Korea and Japan. Many embassy missions were sent to China, and Chinese learning and culture were emulated in many areas. The introduction of Buddhism also brought many associated art forms. As well as the actual goods themselves that were imported, craftsmen came over from the Asian continent, many settling in Japan and founding studios. Trade along the Silk Route also made accessible the riches of cultures as far away as Turkey.

In architecture, both the layout and the structures within Buddhist temples were copied from continental models. The sculptures in wood, clay or lacquer were decorated with vivid colours and gold, often with dramatic forms employing the idealised realism of early Tang works. Painting also followed the sensuous, opulent style of Chinese models; richly adorned Buddhist deities in wall paintings, or voluptuous court ladies in screen painting. The plan of the new capital in 710 was based on the Chinese capital of Chang’an, with a symmetrical grid of avenues and streets. The emperor’s palace presided over the whole, from its position at the northern end of the central avenue, facing south.