The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
-
Prince Shōtoku, Kamakura period, 13th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
January 2, 2021 (Sat) - January 31, 2021 (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 | Prince Shōtoku | Kamakura period, 13th century | C-1866 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The "Buddha-Eye" Mandala | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Honsen-ji Temple, Tokyo | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Wisdom King Fudō | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by Jimoku-ji Temple, Aichi | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Bodhisattva Kokūzō | Kamakura period, 13th century | Gift of Mr. Mutō Sanji, A-989 | |||
| Highlight | Illustrated Biography of Prince Shōtoku | Nanbokuchō period, 14th century | Private collection | ||||
| The Lotus Sutra Mandala | Kamakura period, 13th century | Gift of Mr. Okazaki Masaya, A-10163 | |||||
| Highlight | The Bodhisattva Fugen with Ten Demonesses | Kamakura period, 14th century | A-11790 | ||||
| Highlight | The Buddha Shaka with Two Attendants and Ten Demonesses | Kamakura period, 14th century | Gift of Mr. Endō Hisao, A-10432 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Illustrated Biography of Itinerant Monks | Kamakura period, 14th century | Gift of Mr. Tanaka Shinbi, A-11795-1 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Lotus Sutra, Vol. 4 | By Taira no Kiyomori (1118–81) and Taira no Yorimori (1133–86), Passed down by the Maeda clan of Kaga Domain | Heian period, 1171 (Jōan 1) | Private collection | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Chapter 1 of the "Innumerable Meanings Sutra" in a Set with the "Lotus Sutra" (Called the “Kunō-ji Temple Sutra”) | Heian period, 12th century | B-2396-3 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Bell with a Five-Pronged "Vajra" and Characters Symbolizing Deities | Heian period, 12th century | E-19828 |