The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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The Bodhisattva Fugen (detail), Kamakura period, 13th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
February 14, 2023 (Tue) - April 2, 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 Buddha Śākyamuni with Two Attendants | Nanbokuchō–Muromachi period, 14th–15th century | A-12105 | |||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Buddha Entering Nirvana | Passed down at Chōhoji Temple, Wakayama | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by the Agency for Cultural Affairs | ||
| The Buddha Entering Nirvana | Muromachi period, 15th century | A-748 | |||||
| Highlight | The Buddha Śākyamuni with Two Attendants and Ten Demonesses | Kamakura period, 14th century | Gift of Mr. Endō Hisao, A-10432 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Eleventh of the Sixteen Arhats | Kamakura period, 13th–14th century | Lent by Tenshinji Temple, Tokyo | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Bodhisattva Kōshō (Priest Eison) | Kamakura period, 14th century | Lent by Shitsusenji Temple, Tokyo | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Illustrated Deeds of the Virtuous Itinerant Preachers | Kamakura period, 14th century | Gift of Mr. Tanaka Shinbi, A-11795-1 | |||
| Highlight | Sutra on Transforming Women into Buddhas | Heian period, 12th century | B-1291 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Heart Sutra of the Divine Incantation of Amoghapāśa | By Saionji Kinhira (1264–1315) | Kamakura period, 1306 | B-2452 | ||
| 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 |