Nirvana, Kamakura period, 14th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
July 23, 2014 (Wed) - August 31, 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:
Seated Jie daishi, By Renmyo, Kamakura period, dated 1286 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Kongorinji, Shiga)
Nirvana, Kamakura period, 14th century
Fudo Myo'o (Acalanatha) and Eight Attendants, Kamakura priod, 13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Onjoji, Shiga)
Hoke Kyo (Lotus Sutra), Vol. 1, With characters in pagoda shapes, Formerly owned by Anrakujuin, Heian period, 12th century (Gift of Mr. Tanaka Shinbi)
Words of Prayer by Fujiwara no Moromichi, Heian period, dated 1088 (Important Cultural Property, Private collection)
Buddhist Ritual Bell with Five-pronged Vajra Handle, Featuring attributes of Buddhist deities, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Gokokuji, Tokyo)