The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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Juntei Kannon, the Pure Bodhisattva of Compassion (detail), Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Tanaka Shinbi)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
July 6, 2021 (Tue) - August 15, 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 Mandalas of the Two Realms | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Gokuraku-ji Temple, Kagawa | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Juntei Kannon, the Pure Bodhisattva of Compassion | Heian period, 12th century | Gift of Mr. Tanaka Shinbi, A-11796 | |||
| The Buddha Shaka with Two Attendants and Ten Demonesses | Nanbokuchō period, 14th century | A-12093 | |||||
| The Bodhisattva Jizō | Nanbokuchō period, 14th century | A-28 | |||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Confucius | Kamakura period, 13th century | A-11967 | |||
| Highlight | National Treasure | Lotus Sutra, Vol. 4 (Called the “Sensō-ji Temple Sutra”) | Heian period, 11th century | Lent by Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo | |||
| Highlight | National Treasure | "Expedient Means" from the "Lotus Sutra" (Called the “Kunō-ji Temple Sutra”) | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by Tesshū-Zen-ji Temple, Shizuoka | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Incense Burner with a Weighted Handle | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Kongō-ji Temple, Osaka |