The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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The Deity Jundei Butsumo (detail), Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
January 2, 2023 (Mon) - February 12, 2023 (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 | The Buddha Amida | Kamakura period, 13th century | Private collection | ||||
| The Lotus Sutra Mandala | Kamakura period, 13th century | Gift of Mr. Okazaki Masaya, A-10163 | |||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The "Buddha-Eye" Mandala | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Honsenji Temple, Tokyo | |||
| Highlight | The Bodhisattva Nyoirin Kannon | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Deity Jundei Butsumo | Heian period, 12th century | A-12449 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Wisdom King Fudō | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by Jimokuji Temple, Aichi | |||
| The Wisdom King Aizen | Nanbokuchō period, 14th century | A-768 | |||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Volume 18 of "Illustrated Biography of the Virtuous Monk Hōnen" | Muromachi period, 15th century | Lent by Okunoin, Taima Temple, Nara | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The "Innumerable Meanings Sutra" (From Kunōji Temple) | Heian period, 12th century | B-2396-3 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Hanging Lantern with Plum Trees and Bamboo | Found at the site of Chiba Temple, Chiba | Muromachi period, 1550 | Gift of Mr. Hatano Yūjirō, E-14570 |