The Arts of Buddhism | 8th–16th century
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Volume 1 of Collection of Letters Exchanged between Amoghavajra and the Emperor(detail)
Heian period, 9th century (Important Cultural Property)Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 13
September 1, 2026 (Tue) - October 18, 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 | The Buddha Amida | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Hōshinji Temple, Kanagawa | |||
| The Taima Mandala | Kamakura period, 14th century | A-3 | |||||
| The Taima Mandala | Kamakura period, 14th century | A-6 | |||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | The White Path between Two Rivers | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Kōmyōji Temple, Kyoto | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Volume 22 of The Biography of the Monk Hōnen | Muromachi period, 15th century | Lent by Okunoin, Taima Temple | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Volume 1 of Collection of Letters Exchanged between Amoghavajra and the Emperor | Heian period, 9th century | B-2394 | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Set of Ritual Vessels (Ichimenki) | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Kōkenji Temple, Kagawa |