Floral Motifs in Buddhism
Lotus and Hōsōge Flowers
Lotus and Hōsōge Flowers
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“Flower Garland” with Kalaviṅka
Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Shrine, Wakayama, Muromachi period, 16th century (Important Cultural Property)UpcomingJapanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 4
June 23, 2026 (Tue) - August 30, 2026 (Sun)Buddhist art is richly adorned with floral motifs. Among them, the lotus flower holds the most significance, appearing on many Buddhist implements and objects in diverse forms.
Another typical floral motif that is featured uniquely in Buddhist art is the hōsōge flower. Originating in Chinese floral motifs from the Tang dynasty (618-907), the hōsōge flower, together with lotus flowers, was adopted into Buddhist designs, enriching the art of Buddhism.
We invite you to immerse yourself in the charm of these floral motifs that bloom magnificently on Buddhist art objects.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | National Treasure | Flower Basket with Hōsōge Floral Vines | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by Jinshōji Temple, Shiga | |||
| Highlight | National Treasure | Sutra Box with a Dragon Coiled around a Sword | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by the Inner Sanctuary, Taimadera Temple, Nara | |||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Buddhist Reliquary with a Flaming Jewel | Kamakura period, 13th–14th century | E-15502 | |||
| Highlight | National Treasure | Ritual Gong (Kei) with Lotus Vines | Heian period, 12th century | Lent by Zenrinji Temple, Kyoto | |||
| Important Cultural Property | Ritual Gong (Kei) with a Lotus Pond | Found on the Kinpu Mountain Range, Nara | Heian period, 12th century | E-19890 | |||
| Highlight | Flower Basket | Kamakura period, 13th century | H-4289 | ||||
| Highlight | National Treasure | Stupa-Shaped Buddhist Reliquary for a Wish-Granting Jewel | Kamakura period, 13th century | Lent by Chōfukuji Temple, Nara | |||
| Important Cultural Property | Tray for Ritual Tools (Kongōban) with Lotus Vines | Heian period, 12th century | E-19830 | ||||
| “Flower Garland” with Long-Tailed Birds | Kamakura period, 13th century | E-15536 | |||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | “Flower Garland” with Kalaviṅka | Formerly passed down at Niutsuhime Shrine, Wakayama | Muromachi period, 16th century | E-14729 | ||
| Important Cultural Property | Basin for Bathing a Statue of the Infant Buddha | Heian period, 12th century | E-14286 |