The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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The Eleventh of the Sixteen Arhats (detail), Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
January 2, 2024 (Tue) - February 18, 2024 (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 Buddha Entering Nirvana | Heian period, 12th century | A-10599 | |||
| Highlight | National Treasure | The Fourth of the Sixteen Arhats | Heian period, 11th century | A-10946-4 | |||
| Highlight | National Treasure | The Eleventh of the Sixteen Arhats | Heian period, 11th century | A-11085-3 | |||
| The Bodhisattva Monju with Attendants | Kamakura period, 13th century | A-231 | |||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Bodhisattva Fugen with Ten Demonesses | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Jōninji Temple, Tottori | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Volume 10 of the "Great Tang Records of the Western Regions" (From Chūsonji Temple) | Heian period, 12th century | B-2441-10 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Buddhist Reliquary with a Flaming Jewel | Kamakura period, 13th–14th century | E-15502 | |||
| Buddhist Reliquary with a Flaming Jewel | Kamakura period, 13th century | E-19893 |