The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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The Bodhisattva Jizō (detail), Kamakura period, 14th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
July 20, 2022 (Wed) - August 28, 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 Bodhisattva Jizō | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by Jōruriji Temple, Kyoto | |||
| Taima Mandala | Kamakura period, 14th century | A-6 | |||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Buddha Amida | Kamakura period, 14th century | Lent by Iwaki City, Fukushima | |||
| Highlight | The Bodhisattva Jizō | Kamakura period, 14th century | A-4 | ||||
| Shinkō'ō, One of the Ten Kings of Hell | Muromachi period, 15th century | A-764-1 | |||||
| Shokō'ō, One of the Ten Kings of Hell | Muromachi period, 15th century | A-764-2 | |||||
| Sōtei'ō, One of the Ten Kings of Hell | Muromachi period, 15th century | A-764-3 | |||||
| Gokan'ō, One of the Ten Kings of Hell | Muromachi period, 15th century | A-764-4 | |||||
| Henjō'ō, One of the Ten Kings of Hell | Muromachi period, 15th century | A-764-6 | |||||
| Highlight | National Treasure | The Deity Zaō Gongen | Found on Kinpusen Ridge, Nara | Heian period, 1001 | Lent by Nishiarai Daishi Sōjiji Temple, Tokyo | ||
| Highlight | Volume 2 of "Illustrated Essentials for Rebirth in the Pure Land" | Muromachi period, 15th century | Private collection | ||||
| Highlight | National Treasure | Volume 4 of the "Lotus Sutra" (From Sensōji Temple) | Heian period, 11th century | Lent by Sensōji Temple, Tokyo | |||
| Highlight | National Treasure | "Expedient Means" Chapter of the "Lotus Sutra" (From Kunōji Temple) | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by Tesshūzenji Temple, Shizuoka |