The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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Volume 2 of Events Concerning the Wandering Saints, Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Tanaka Shinbi)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
November 9, 2021 (Tue) - December 19, 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 | ||
| The Mandalas of the Two Realms | Kamakura period, 14th century | A-11776 | |||||
| Highlight | Eleven Buddhist Deities | Kamakura period, 14th century | A-1224 | ||||
| Highlight | The Wisdom King Fudō with Two Child Attendants | Kamakura–Nanbokuchō period, 13th–14th century | Lent by Emyōji Temple, Tokyo | ||||
| Highlight | The Wisdom King Aizen | Kamakura period, 14th century | Gift of Mr. Okazaki Masaya, A-10153 | ||||
| The Statesman Fujiwara no Kamatari | Muromachi period, 15th century | A-12077 | |||||
| Highlight | The Wisdom King Fudō with Two Child Attendants | By Katsuyama Takushū | Edo period, 18th century | A-273 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Volume 2 of "Events Concerning the Wandering Saints" | Kamakura period, 14th century | Gift of Mr. Tanaka Shinbi, A-11795-2 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Words of Prayer | By Jien (1155–1225) | Kamakura period, 1224 | B-1400 | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Lineages of the Transmission of the Buddha’s Dharma | Heian period, 12th century | B-1037 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Gong ("Kei") with a Lotus Pond | Found at Tenkawa Village, Nara | Heian period, 12th century | E-19890 | ||
| Gong ("Kei") with Peonies | Kamakura period, 13th century | E-15307 | |||||
| Gong ("Kei") with Peacocks | Heian period, 12th century | Gift of Mr. Katori Masahiko, E-19975-1 |