Portrait of Fujiwara no Kamatari, Muromachi period, 15th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
January 2, 2012 (Mon) - February 5, 2012 (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:
Seated Priest Yuiken, By Chokei, Nanbokucho period, dated 1372 (Lent by Hokaiji, Kanagawa, Important Cultural Property)
Portrait of Kosho Bosatsu (monk Eizon), Kamakura period, 14th century (Lent by Shitsusenji, Tokyo, Important Cultural Property)
List of Ritual Implements of Esoteric Buddhism and other objects brought back by the Priest Saicho, By Saicho, Heian period, dated 811 (Lent by Enryakuji, Shiga, National Treasure)
Flower Basket, Auspicious floral arabesque design in openwork, Heian period, 12th century (Lent by Jinshoji, Shiga, National Treasure)