Nehan (Nirvana) (detail), Kamakura period, 14th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
February 5, 2019 (Tue) - March 10, 2019 (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 periods.
Current exhibit includes:
Attendant Bodhisattva on a Cloud, Formerly passed down at Byodoin temple, Kyoto, Heian period, dated 1053 (Important Cultural Property, Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
Nirvana, Kamakura period, 12th-13th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Shinyakushiji temple, Nara)
Nehan (Nirvana), Kamakura period, 14th century
Sixteen Arhats: Sixth Arhat, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Reiunji, Tokyo)
Illustrated Biography of Priest Shinran, Naobokucho period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Lent by Shoganji, Chiba)
Record of the Monk Xuanzang's Journey to India, Vol. 4, From the Chusonji-kyo compilation, Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)
Lotus Sutra: Kenhotohon Chapter, Kamakura period, 13th century (National Treasure, Lent by Jikoji, Saitama)
Diary of the Monk Sonkai's Overseas Travels, By Sonkai, Muromachi period, dated 1539 (Important Cultural Property)