The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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The Bodhisattva Monju with Five Topknots, Kamakura period, 14th century (Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
November 22, 2022 (Tue) - December 25, 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 Deva Bishamonten | Previously kept at Nakagawa Temple, Nara | Heian period, ca. 1162 | Gift of Mr. Kawabata Ryūshi, C-1869 | ||
| Highlight | Taishakuten, One of the Twelve Devas | Muromachi period, 15th century | Gift of Mr. Kamiya Denbei, A-1051-3 | ||||
| Highlight | The Monk-Prince Shinnyo | Kamakura period, 14th century | Gift of Mr. Okazaki Masaya, A-10152 | ||||
| Highlight | The Wisdom King Aizen | Nanbokuchō period, 14th century | Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon, A-10574 | ||||
| The Bodhisattva Monju with Five Topknots | Kamakura period, 14th century | Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon, A-10578 | |||||
| The Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva Kannon with His Twenty-Eight Attendants | Kamakura period, 13th century | Gift of Mr. Hirota Matsushige, A-11755 | |||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Bodhisattva Juntei Kannon | Heian period, 12th century | Gift of Mr. Tanaka Shinbi, A-11796 | |||
| 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 | Illustrated Origins of Inaba Temple and Its Yakushi Sculpture | Kamakura period, 14th century | A-10592 | |||
| 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 |