The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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The Peacock Wisdom King (detail), Heian period, 12th century (National Treasure)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
July 7, 2020 (Tue) - August 16, 2020 (Sun)The beliefs and arts of Buddhism, along with its followers, became more diverse over time. In the Heian period (794–1192), the emperor and court nobility practiced and supported Buddhism. They used their vast wealth to build temples and create images for worship, often in delicate styles reflecting their tastes.
In the Kamakura period (1192–1333), the samurai gained political power, also becoming patrons of Buddhism. They preferred Buddhist art that was clear and dynamic, which led artisans to develop new styles. Many common people also became followers of Buddhism at this time, blending this religion with local beliefs, especially in the Muromachi period (1392–1573).
During these centuries, monks brought new schools of Buddhist thought from China, and developed new schools in Japan based on older teachings. Buddhism also became more integrated with Shinto, the indigenous religion. The paintings, sculptures, ritual tools, and sacred calligraphy on display illustrate this diversity in Buddhism.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Bodhisattva Jizō | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by Jōruri-ji Temple, Kyoto | |||
| Highlight | National Treasure | The Peacock Wisdom King | Heian period, 12th century | A-11529 | |||
| Highlight | National Treasure | The Eleventh of Sixteen Arhats | Heian period, 11th century | A-11085-3 | |||
| Important Art Object | The Wisdom King Aizen | Kamakura period, 13th century | A-11964 | ||||
| Highlight | National Treasure | Lotus Sutra, Volume 4 (Called the “Senso-ji Temple Sutra”) | Heian period, 11th century | Lent by Senso-ji, Tokyo | |||
| Highlight | National Treasure | "Expedient Means" from the "Lotus Sutra" (Called the “Kunōji Temple Sutra”) | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by Tesshuzen-ji Temple, Shizuoka | |||
| Important Cultural Property | Plaque with the Bodhisattva Shō Kannon | Kamakura period, 1275 (Kenji 1) | E-19920 |