Tokyo National Museum

Shugendo--In ancient times, people living on the Japanese archipelago had a belief that mountains were sacred areas where gods reside and where ancestral spirits rest in peace watching over their descendants. The shugendo, or the mountain asceticism, is a belief that took root in such gentle mountain worship, taking shape under the influence of Buddhism, notably Esoteric Buddhism and Taoism. Since Medieval Japan, the shugendo has been accepted by local people through yamabushi (mountain ascetic hermits) who have gone through repeated training to attract mountain spirits called kami, thus giving them a physical space to occupy, by crossing valleys, running through and secluding themselves deep in the mountains. Among many sacred mountains attracting people’s worship in Japan, Mt. Haguro is the birthplace of the shugendo of the Tohoku region.

The emperor historically rode in imperial palanquins (hōren) during official outings. This particular palanquin was used when Emperor Kōmei (1831–1867) relocated to a new imperial palace in 1855 (currently the Kyoto Imperial Palace) and when the Meiji Emperor (1852–1912) went on official outings in Tokyo. Palanquin bearers carried the shafts on their shoulders when transporting the emperor.

Bodhisattva--Buddhist figures can often be identified by their hand gestures and the sacred objects they hold. This figure was made about 1,000 years ago and the object he originally held was lost, making him difficult to identify by name. However, his elaborate robes and tall crown suggest that he is a bodhisattva, a compassionate Buddhist god who saves people from suffering.
In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is a person who has attained, or is striving towards, bodhi or Buddhahood. Often, the term specifically refers to a person who forgoes or delays personal nirvana or bodhi in order to compassionately help other individuals reach Buddhahood.
In Mahayana Buddhism a person who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so through compassion for suffering beings.

The Wisdom King Fudo--Originating in India, the "secret" teachings of Buddhism were introduced to Japan in the early 800's. These teachings tell of powerful gods known as the Wisdom Kings. This statue represents their leader, Fudo, whose name means "the Immovable One." His wrathful expression shows his determination to destroy evil and intimidate stubborn unbelievers into following the Buddhist path.

The Guardian god Komokuten, One of the Four Heavenly Kings--Wearing armor decorated with the head of a fearsome beast, this figure stands ready to fight the enemies of Buddhism. He was worshipped at Joruriji Temple in Kyoto as one of the Four Heavenly Kings, guardian gods who protect the Buddha and his sacred teachings. Flames erupt from his body to burn away ignorance, and he tramples a demon embodying evil and delusion.

Armor (Yoroi) with patterns of Small Cherry Blossoms on Yellow Lacing--This replica of a 12th century suit of armor was crafted by modrn artisans. It represents the earliest type of samurai armor, which was designed for horseback archery. The large shoulder guards would have functioned as shields, blocking enemy arrows fired from the sides. They are held together by silk lacing decorated with hundreds of tiny cherry blossoms.Read more