National Treasure Gallery: The Tenth of the Sixteen Arhats
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The Tenth of the Sixteen Arhats (detail)
Heian period, 11th century (National Treasure)Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 2
January 14, 2026 (Wed) - February 15, 2026 (Sun)Created over 900 years ago, this work belongs to the oldest surviving series of paintings depicting the Sixteen Arhats. According to Buddhist mythology, these holy men attained enlightenment, immortality, and supernatural powers to aid the faithful. They were revered as guardians of the Buddha’s teachings.
The upper part of the painting shows the tenth arhat, Venerable Handaka of the Thirty-Three Heavens, presenting an offering at a Buddha Hall. Below him, two attendants clasp their hands in prayer. The swirling clouds at the bottom suggest that this scene is unfolding not in our world but in a mysterious sacred realm.
This painting was handed down for generations at Shōjuraikōji, a Buddhist temple northeast of Kyoto, and was likely commissioned by a member of Japan’s nobility. Its graceful colors, decorative patterns, and gentle linework create a tranquil aesthetic that was favored by the nobility of eleventh-century Japan.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | National Treasure | The Tenth of the Sixteen Arhats | Heian period, 11th century | A-11085-2 |