The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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The Iconography of the Deva Bishamonten, Heian period, 12th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
August 30, 2022 (Tue) - October 10, 2022 (Mon)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 | |||
| Highlight | The Iconography of the Deva Bishamonten | Heian period, 12th century | A-11724 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Taishakuten, One of the Twelve Devas | Kamakura period, 13th century; original: Heian period, 12th century | A-12186-3 | |||
| The Iconography of the Peacock Wisdom King | Passed down at Kōsanji Temple, Kyoto | Heian period, 12th century | A-12118 | ||||
| The Iconography of the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva Kannon with Twenty-Eight Attendants | Kamakura period, 13th century | A-342-5 | |||||
| Highlight | National Treasure | The Deity Zaō Gongen | Found on Kinpusen Ridge, Nara | Heian period, 1001 | Lent by Nishiarai Daishi Sōjiji Temple, Tokyo | ||
| Highlight | Mandala of the Principle of Wisdom Sutra | By Genshō | Heian period, dated 1171 | Private collection | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Volume 4 of the "Great Tang Records on the Western Regions" (From the Buddhist canon of Nanatsu Temple) | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by Nanatsu Temple, Aichi |