The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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The Guardian God Bishamonten
By Keisan, Kamakura period, 1271Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
September 30, 2025 (Tue) - November 9, 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 | The Guardian God Bishamonten | By Keisan | Kamakura period, 1271 | C-328 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Wisdom King Dai'itoku | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by Tanzan Shrine, Nara | |||
| The Statesman Fujiwara no Kamatari | Muromachi period, 15th century | A-12077 | |||||
| Highlight | The Sixteen Guardian Deities of the "Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra" | Kamakura period, 13th century | A-224 | ||||
| Important Cultural Property | Words of Prayer | By Sesonji Sadanari (before 1278–after 1312） | Kamakura period, 1284 | B-19 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Prayer | By Ashikaga Takauji (1305–58) | Nanbokuchō period, 1336 | Lent by the Tokiwayama Bunko Foundation, Tokyo | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Set of Six Ritual Bowls | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Kōkenji, Kagawa | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Tray for Ritual Tools ("Kongōban") | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Kōkenji Temple, Kagawa | |||
| Highlight | Bell with Five-Pronged "Vajra" and Seed Syllables | Kamakura period, 13th century | E-19926 |