The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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The Bodhisattva Hannya (Prajnaparamita) (detail), Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
November 10, 2020 (Tue) - December 20, 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 Buddha Amida | By Eisen (1239–?) | Kamakura period, 1259 (Shōka 3) | Gift of Mr. Yasuda Zenjirō, C-508 | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Bodhisattva Hannya (Prajnaparamita) | Kamakura period, 13th century | A-12368 | |||
| The Bodhisattva Monju with Attendants | Kamakura period, 13th century | A-231 | |||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Twelve Devas: Bishamonten (Vaisravana) | Artist unknown; Original painting by Chinkai | Kamakura period, 13th century; Original painting: Heian period, 12th century | A-12186-5 | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Origins of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Vol. 1 | Illustrations by Tosa Mitsunobu (active 1469–1523); text by Konoe Hisamichi and others | Muromachi period, 1517 (Eishō 14) | A-43-1 | ||
| Highlight | National Treasure | The Deity Zaō Gongen | Found on Kinpusen Ridge, Nara | Heian period, 1001 (Chōhō 3) | Lent by Nishiarai Daishi Sojiji Temple, Tokyo | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Words of Prayer | By Jien (1155–1225) | Kamakura period, 1224 (Jōō 3) | B-1400 | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Succession of Priests and Their Biographies | Heian period, 12th century | B-1037 | |||
| Important Art Object | Mirror with the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva Kannon | Heian period, 12th century | E-20856 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Plaque with the Bodhisattva Shō Kannon | Kamakura period, 1275 (Kenji 1) | E-19920 |