The Asuka period brought the gradual growth of artistic and religious influences on Japanese culture from China. This influence grew even more during the Nura period as the Japanese began to model itself after the Chinese form and Buddhism spread through Japan. One example is the Triad, which was kept in the Yakushiji temple. The Chinese influence was apparent in its anatomical definition, realistic drapery, and naturalism. The Chinese influence in Buddhism thought and art was founded by Kukai, who traveled to China and studied Chinese Buddhism, also studied their calligraphy and poetry.
Because of secular travels and trading to China during the Muromachi period, many Chinese paintings and art objects were imported into Japan and greatly influence