Here's why:
* Chinese poetry: Chinese poetry is characterized by its emphasis on imagery, symbolism, and brevity. It often uses metaphors and allusions, making it very dense and layered in meaning.
* Japanese sculpture: Japanese sculpture primarily focuses on realistic representation, often depicting deities, figures from mythology, or scenes from daily life.
While Japanese artists were influenced by Chinese culture and art, they rarely incorporated the poetic language of Chinese poetry directly into their sculptures. Instead, they focused on expressing the same themes and emotions through the visual language of form, composition, and symbolism.
Here are some examples:
* Buddhist sculpture: Japanese Buddhist sculpture was heavily influenced by Chinese art, but the focus remained on representing the Buddha and other deities in a realistic and devotional manner. While poetic imagery might have inspired the artists, it wasn't explicitly depicted in the sculptures.
* Heian period sculpture: This period saw the rise of more naturalistic and expressive sculptures, particularly in the depiction of figures from Japanese literature. However, the emphasis remained on capturing the essence of the character rather than translating specific poetic lines.
Therefore, it's not accurate to say that Japanese people adopted Chinese language poetry into their sculptures. The two art forms exist in separate spheres of expression, each with its own unique set of conventions and aesthetics.
Perhaps you were thinking of the influence of Chinese poetry on Japanese literature and calligraphy? These art forms share a more direct connection with language, allowing for the adoption and adaptation of poetic themes and imagery.