The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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The Tenth of the Sixteen Arhats (detail), Nanbokuchō period, 14th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
April 4, 2023 (Tue) - May 14, 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 | Important Cultural Property | The First of the Sixteen Arhats | Kamakura period, 14th century | Lent by Reiunji, Tokyo | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The First of the Sixteen Arhats | Kamakura period, 13th–14th century | Lent by Tenshinji Temple, Tokyo | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Volume 4 of "Illustrated Gleanings on the Life of a Virtuous Monk" | Kamakura period, 1323 | Lent by Jōfukuji Temple, Ibaraki | |||
| Highlight | Letter | By Enni (1202–80) | Kamakura period, 13th century | B-2525 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Mandalas of the Two Realms | Kamakura period, 1194 | Lent by Tokumanji Temple, Ibaraki |