The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
-
The Buddha Entering Nirvana (detail), Kamakura period, 14th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
January 2, 2025 (Thu) - February 16, 2025 (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 | Kamakura period, 12th–13th century | Lent by Shinyakushiji Temple, Nara | |||
| The Buddha Entering Nirvana | Kamakura period, 14th century | A-214 | |||||
| The Buddha Śākyamuni with Two Attendants and the Sixteen Arhats | Kamakura period, 14th century | A-262 | |||||
| The Buddha Shaka with Two Attendants and Ten Demonesses | Nanbokuchō period, 14th century | A-12093 | |||||
| The Buddha Shaka with the Six Patriarchs | Kamakura period, 13th century | A-24 | |||||
| The Bodhisattva Monju with Five Topknots | Kamakura period, 14th century | Gift of Mr. Matsunaga Yasuzaemon, A-10578 | |||||
| The Bodhisattva Fugen with Ten Demonesses | Kamakura period, 14th century | A-11790 | |||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Illustrated Scroll of Legends about San'no Shrine | Kamakura period, dated 1288 (Koan 11) | Lent by Hie Jinja, Shizuoka | |||
| Highlight | National Treasure | Volume 6 of the "Lotus Sutra" on Square Papers | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by Kongōbuji Temple ,Wakayama |