The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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The Sixth of the Sixteen Arhats (detail), Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
April 27, 2021 (Tue) - May 23, 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 | ||
| Important Cultural Property | The Wisdom King Aizen | Kamakura period, 13th century | C-1858 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Five Esoteric Bodhisattvas | Kamakura period, 13th century | Private collection | |||
| Highlight | National Treasure | The Sixth of the Sixteen Arhats | Heian period, 11th century | A-10946-6 | |||
| Highlight | National Treasure | The Eleventh of the Sixteen Arhats | Heian period, 11th century | A-11085-3 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Buddha Dainichi in the Form of the Cosmic Buddha of the Golden Wheel | Kamakura period, 13th century | A-10601 | |||
| Highlight | The Iconography of the Bodhisattva Miroku | Passed down at Kōsan-ji Temple, Kyoto | Kamakura period, 13th century | A-759 | |||
| The Iconography of the Peacock Wisdom King | Passed down at Kōsan-ji Temple, Kyoto | Heian period, 12th century | A-12118 | ||||
| Highlight | The Iconography of the Heavenly King Bishamonten | Heian period, 12th century | A-11724 | ||||
| Highlight | The Iconography of the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva Kannon with Twenty-Eight Attendants | Kamakura period, 13th century | A-342-5 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Iconography of the Buddhist Patriarchs | By Genshō (1146–1222), Passed down at Kōsan-ji Temple, Kyoto | Heian period, 12th century | A-10 | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Record of the Origin of Buddhist Relics and Their Blessings | By Daxiu Zhengnian (1215–89) | Kamakura period, 1278 (Kenji 4) | B-2449 | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Head of a Monk’s Staff | Heian period, 1142 (Kōji 1) | Lent by Tesshūzen-ji Temple, Shizuoka |