Highlights of the Exhibition
Chapter 1 The Formation of Zen
This section features objects and artworks depicting the words, deeds and portraits of Bodhidharma, Huike, Huineng, Linji and other founding fathers. These show how Zen developed as a sect in China based on teachings transmitted from India.
Huike (Eka) Offering His Arm to Bodhidharma (Daruma)
By Sesshu Toyo
Muromachi period, dated 1496
National Treasure
Sainen-ji Temple, Aichi
[on exhibit from November 8, 2016]
Portrait of Linji Yixuan (Rinzai Gigen)
Attributed to Soga Jasoku; Inscription by Ikkyu Sojun
Muromachi period, 15th century
Important Cultural Property
Shinju-an Temple, Kyoto
[on exhibit through November 6, 2016]
Page top
Chapter 2 The Introduction and Development of Rinzai Zen Buddhism
This section charts the introduction and development of the Rinzai Zen Buddhism in Japan. It does so by introducing objects and artworks associated with the founders of the various branches of Rinzai and Obaku Zen schools.
Portrait of Wuzhun Shifan (Bujun Shipan) (detail)
Inscription by Wuzhun Shifan (Bujun Shipan)
Southern Song dynasty, China, dated 1238
National Treasure
Tofuku-ji Temple, Kyoto
[on exhibit from November 8, 2016]
Seated Figure of Lanqi Daolong (Rankei Doryu)
Kamakura period, 13th century
Important Cultural Property Kencho-ji Temple, Kanagawa
Page top
Chapter 3 Generals in the Warring States Period and Zen Priests in the Early Modern Era
This section displays portraits of Warring State generals and Zen priests alongside works by representative priests from the early modern period. In doing so, it traces the spread of Zen Buddhism throughout Japan.
Bodhidharma (Daruma)
By Hakuin Ekaku
Edo period, 18th century
Manju-ji Temple, Oita
Portrait of Oda Nobunaga
By Kano Eitoku
Azuchi-Momoyama period, dated 1584
Daitoku-ji Temple, Kyoto
[on exhibit through November 6, 2016]
Cherry Blossom Viewing
By Sengai Gibon
Edo period, 19th century
[on exhibit from November 8, 2016]
Page top
Chapter 4 The Deities of Zen Buddhism
This section uses Buddhist statues, paintings and sutras to provide an insight into religious life in Zen temples.
Seated Jeweled Crown Shakyamuni (Hokan Shaka Nyorai) and Attendants
By Inkitsu, Inko, and Injun
Nanbokucho period, dated 1352
Important Cultural Property
Hoko-ji Temple, Shizuoka
Rahula (Ragora Sonja) from a Set of the Seated Eighteen Arhats (detail)
By Fan Daosheng (Han Dosei)
Edo period, dated 1664
Manpuku-ji Temple, Kyoto
Page top
Chapter 5 The Spread of Zen Culture
To conclude this exhibition, examples of calligraphy and decorative art will be used to illustrate the impact of Zen Buddhism on Japanese culture.
Flowers and Birds of the Four Seasons (from a Set of Panel Paintings for the Hojo [abbot’s chamber] at Daisen-in Temple)（detail）
By Kano Motonobu
Muromachi period, dated 1513
Important Cultural Property
Daisen-in Temple, Kyoto
[on exhibit from November 8, 2016]
Tigers (from a Set of Panel Paintings for the Ko-hojo [small abbot’s chamber] of the Honbo [main living quarters] at Nanzen-ji Temple) （detail）
By Kano Tan’yu
Edo period, 17th century
Important Cultural Property
Nanzen-ji Temple, Kyoto
[on exhibit through November 6, 2016]
Lu Dongbin (Ryo Dohin)（detail）
By Sesson Shukei
Muromachi period, 16th century
Important Cultural Property
The Museum Yamato Bunkakan, Nara
[on exhibit from November 8, 2016]
Tea Bowl, Yuteki (Oil Spot) Tenmoku Type
Jian ware
Southern Song dynasty, China, 12th–13th century
National Treasure
The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka
Celadon Glazed Flower-shaped Bowl, Known as “Kasugai”
Longquan ware
Southern Song dynasty, China, 13th century
Maspro Art Museum, Aichi
Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Tray with Camelia and Paired Long-tailed Bird Design
Yuan dynasty, China, 14th century
Important Cultural Property
Korin-in Temple, Kyoto
[on exhibit through November 6, 2016]
Catching a Catfish with a Gourd（detail）
By Taiko Josetsu; Inscriptions by Daigaku Shusu and thirty other monks
Muromachi period, 15th century
National Treasure
Taizo-in Temple, Kyoto
[on exhibit from November 8, 2016]
Page top
