The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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The Bodhisattva Juntei Kannon (detail), Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property, Gift of Mr. Tanaka Shinbi)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
February 18, 2025 (Tue) - April 6, 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 Cosmic Buddha of the Golden Wheel | Kamakura period, 13th century | A-10601 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Sonshō Mandala | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Gokokuji Temple, Tokyo | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Bodhisattva Juntei Kannon | Heian period, 12th century | Gift of Mr. Tanaka Shinbi, A-11796 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | A Tale of "Tengu" (One of the Tōji Temple and Daigoji Temple Scrolls) | Kamakura period, 13th century | A-31-1 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Surviving Volume of "The Origins of Shitennōji Temple" | By Koremune Sueshige | Heian period, 1173 | Lent by Sanzen'in Temple, Kyoto | ||
| Part of the "Lotus Sutra" with Each Character Encircled by a Stupa (One of the “Uzumasa Fragments”) | Heian period, 12th century | B-1280 |