The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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Enmaten, One of the Twelve Devas (detail)
Artist unknown; original by Chinkai, Kamakura period, 13th century; original: Heian period, 12th century (Important Cultural Property)Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 13
July 14, 2026 (Tue) - August 30, 2026 (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 Wisdom King Aizen | By Kōen (born 1207) | Kamakura period, 1275 | Lent by Jingoji Temple, Kyoto | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Enmaten, One of the Twelve Devas | Artist unknown; original by Chinkai | Kamakura period, 13th century; original: Heian period, 12th century | A-12186-1 | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Iconography of Katen, One of the Twelve Devas | Artist unknown; original by Chinkai | Kamakura period, 13th century; original: Heian period, 12th century | A-12186-2 | ||
| Highlight | National Treasure | "The Emergence of the Jeweled Stupa" Chapter of the Lotus Sutra (From Kunōji Temple) | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by Tesshuzenji, Shizuoka | |||
| Highlight | National Treasure | "The Emergence of the Jeweled Stupa" Chapter of the Lotus Sutra (From Jikōji Temple) | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Jikōji Temple, Saitama | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Set of Ritual Vessels (Ichimenki) | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Kōkenji Temple, Kagawa | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Ritual Flower Vases | Kamakura period, 1307 | Lent by Jikōji Temple, Saitama |