The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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The Buddhist Monk Kūkai (detail), Kamakura period, 14th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
February 20, 2024 (Tue) - April 7, 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 | Illustrated Biography of Prince Shōtoku | Nanbokuchō period, 14th century | Private collection | ||||
| Highlight | Volume 4 of the "Essentials for Rebirth in the Pure Land" | Muromachi period, 15th century | Private collection | ||||
| Part of the "Lotus Sutra" with Each Character Encircled by a Stupa (One of the “Uzumasa Fragments”) | Heian period, 12th century | B-1280 | |||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Volume 4 of the "Lotus Sutra" | By Taira no Kiyomori (1118–81) and Taira no Yorimori (1133–86) | Heian period, 1171 | Private collection | ||
| 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 |