The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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The Ten Kings of the Buddhist Hell (detail)
Muromachi period, 15th centuryJapanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
August 19, 2025 (Tue) - September 28, 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 | ||
| The Bodhisattva Jizō | Nanbokuchō period, 14th century | A-28 | |||||
| Highlight | The Ten Kings of the Buddhist Hell | Muromachi period, 15th century | A-764 | ||||
| Highlight | National Treasure | The God Zaō Gongen | Found on the Kinpu Mountain Range, Nara | Heian period, 1001 | Lent by Nishiarai Daishi Sōjiji Temple, Tokyo | ||
| Highlight | Remaining Volume of "Genpishō" ("Profound Rituals of Esoteric Buddhism") | Kamakura period, 14th century | Gift of Mr. Hitomi Shigekazu, B-3102 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The God Zaō Gongen | Found at the Mount Ōmine Peak Site, Nara | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by Ōminesanji Temple, Nara |