The Buddhist Temple Kan’eiji: Thematic Exhibition Celebrating Its 400th Anniversary
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Demon-Shaped Roof Tile
Found on the grounds of the Tokyo National Museum, Edo period, 17th–19th centuryJapanese Gallery (Honkan) Rooms T1 & T2
July 8, 2025 (Tue) - August 31, 2025 (Sun)Kan’eiji Temple was a major center of Buddhism and culture during the Edo period (1603–1868). It was established in 1625 to protect Japan’s military government, the shogunate, and its headquarters at Edo Castle from disaster and misfortune. This exhibition commemorates the temple’s 400th anniversary by exploring its history, cultural treasures, and connections with the Tokyo National Museum, which occupies land formerly owned by the temple. The exhibition is organized into six sections:
Chapter 1: Protecting the City of Edo
Chapter 2: Jigen Daishi, Leader of Edo Buddhism
Chapter 3: Illustrated Biographies of the Two Great Monks
Chapter 4: The Shogunate’s Official Temple
Chapter 5: Exploring Ties to the Museum through Excavated Artifacts
Chapter 6: Cultural Connections with the Present Day
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The Mandala of the Two Realms | Kamakura period, 14th century | Lent by Kan'eiji Temple, Tokyo | The Womb Realm(7/8～8/3)、The Diamond Realm(8/5～8/31) | ||
| Highlight | The Buddha Śākyamuni | By Kōjō | Edo period, 1664 | Lent by Kan'eiji Temple, Tokyo |