The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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The Buddha Amida (detail), By Eisen (born 1239), Kamakura period, 1259, Gift of Mr. Yasuda Zenjirō (Important Cultural Property)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
April 26, 2022 (Tue) - June 5, 2022 (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 Buddha Amida | By Eisen (born 1239) | Kamakura period, 1259 | Gift of Mr. Yasuda Zenjirō, C-508 | ||
| Highlight | The Taima Mandala | Kamakura period, 14th century | A-3 | ||||
| Highlight | Mandala of the Siddham Character "A" | Nanbokuchō period, 14th century | Gift of Mr. Okazaki Masaya, A-10156 | ||||
| Highlight | Illustrated Biography of Prince Shōtoku | Nanbokuchō period, 14th century | Gift of Mr. Kawai Gyokudō, A-10429 | ||||
| Highlight | National Treasure | The Deity Zaō Gongen | Found on Kinpusen Ridge, Nara | Heian period, 1001 | Lent by Nishiarai Daishi Sōjiji Temple, Tokyo | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Volume 2 of "Illustrated Gleanings on the Life of a Virtuous Monk" | Kamakura period, 1323 | Lent by Jōfukuji, Ibaraki | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Buddhist Relics and Their Blessings | By Daxiu Zhengnian (1215–89) | Kamakura period, 1278 | B-2449 | ||
| Highlight | Miniature Shrine with the Kasuga Mandala | Muromachi period, 1479 | H-1214 | ||||
| Reliquary in the Shape of a Flaming Jewel | Kamakura period, 13th century | E-19893 |