The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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The Ninth of the Sixteen Arhats (detail), Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
February 2, 2021 (Tue) - March 14, 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 | Important Cultural Property | The Monk Yuiken | By Chōkei | Nanbokuchō period, 1372 (Ōan 5) | Lent by Hōkai-ji Temple, Kanagawa | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Buddha Entering Nirvana | Heian period, 12th century | A-10599 | |||
| Highlight | National Treasure | The Ninth of the Sixteen Arhats | Heian period, 11th century | A-11085-1 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Ninth of the Sixteen Arhats | Kamakura period, 14th century | Lent by Zenrin-ji Temple, Kyoto | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Fourth of the Sixteen Arhats | Kamakura period, 14th century | Lent by Reiun-ji Temple, Tokyo | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Fourth of the Sixteen Arhats | Kamakura period, 13th–14th century | Lent by Tenshin-ji Temple, Tokyo | |||
| Highlight | Important Art Object | The Seventh of the Sixteen Arhats | Kamakura period, 14th century | Lent by Guhō-ji Temple, Chiba | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Biography of Priest Shinran, Vol. 1 | Nanbokuchō period, 1344 (Kōei 3) | Lent by Shōgan-ji Temple, Chiba | |||
| Highlight | Sutra on Transforming Women into Buddhas | Heian period, 12th century | B-1291 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Heart Sutra of the Divine Incantation of Amoghapāśa | By Saionji Kinhira (1264–1315) | Kamakura period, 1306 (Kagen 4) | B-2452 | ||
| Important Cultural Property | Bell with a Five-Pronged "Vajra" and Characters Symbolizing Deities | Heian period, 12th century | E-19828 |