Buddhist Art: Heian - Muromachi period
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Sixteen Arhats, Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
January 2, 2014 (Thu) - February 9, 2014 (Sun)Buddhist art is one of the major genres that define Japanese art. Many masterworks date from the late Heian period, a time characterized as classical in Japanese art history. After the Kamakura period, Buddhist art further developed in its materials, methods, and styles as Zen schools and other new Buddhist schools emerged, together with the influence from the Chinese arts. This exhibit features artworks from the Heian to Kamakura periods, when Buddhist art most flourished, adding siginificant objects from the Nanbokucho and Muromachi periods.
Current exhibit includes:
Standing Prince Shotoku, Kamakura period, 13th - 14th century (Lent by Honshoji, Aichi)
Sixteen Arhats: Twelfth Arhat, Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure)
Plaque with Hairline Engraving of Zao Gongen, Excavated from Kinpusen, Tenkawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara, Heian period, dated 1001 (National Treasure, Lent by Nishiarai daishi Soujiji, Tokyo)
Illustrated Scroll of Legends about the Origin of Yuzu Nenbutsu Buddhism, Vol. 2, By Fujiwara Yukihide, Eishun, Fujiwara Yukihiro and Awataguchi Ryuko, Muromachi period, dated 1417 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Seiryoji, Kyoto)
Record of the Chinese Monk Xuanzang's Journey to India, Vol. 4, Known as "Nanatsu dera issai kyo", Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Nanatsudera, Aichi)
List of Ritual Objects of Esoteric Buddhism Brought from China by the Priest Saicho, By Saicho, Heian period, dated 811 (National Treasure, Lent by Enryakuji, Shiga)
Kei Gong, Lotus arabesque design, Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure, Lent by Zenrinji, Kyoto)
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Important Cultural Property | Nika Byakudo (white path of faith between two rivers of temptations) | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Komyoji, Kyoto | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Illustrated Scroll of Legends about the Origin of Yuzu Nenbutsu Buddhism, Vol. 2 | By Fujiwara Yukihide, Eishun, Fujiwara Yukihiro and Awataguchi Ryuko | Muromachi period, dated 1417 (Ouei 24) | Lent by Seiryo-ji, Kyoto |