The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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Gathering of Deities, Kamakura period, 14th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
September 28, 2021 (Tue) - November 7, 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, 14th century | Lent by Kan'eiji Temple, Tokyo | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Bodhisattva Fugen and Ten Demonesses | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Jōninji Temple, Tottori | |||
| Highlight | Gathering of Deities | Kamakura period, 14th century | A-11974-1 | ||||
| The Bodhisattva Monju with Five Topknots | Kamakura period, 14th century | Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon, A-10578 | |||||
| The Deva Dakini | Muromachi period, 16th century | A-899 | |||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Biography of the Monk Hōnen | Kamakura period, 14th century | Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon, A-10571 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Volumes 2 and 4 of the "Golden Light Sutra" (One of the “Eyeless Sutras”) | Kamakura period, 12th century | B-3177 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Volume 4 of the "Golden Light Sutra" (One of the “Eyeless Sutras”) | Kamakura period, 12th century | B-2400 | |||
| Highlight | National Treasure | Gong ("Kei") with Lotus Vines | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by Zenrinji Temple, Kyoto | |||
| Important Cultural Property | Gong ("Kei") with a Lotus Pond | Found at Tenkawa Village, Nara | Heian period, 12th century | E-19890 | |||
| Gong ("Kei") with Peacocks | Heian period, 12th century | Gift of Mr. Katori Masahiko, E-19975-1 | |||||
| Gong ("Kei") with Peonies | Kamakura period, 13th century | E-15307 |