Kamakura: The Art of Zen Buddhism
Kamakura: The Art of Zen Buddhism Tokyo National Museum Until July 13
For a sect based on finding enlightenment inside one’s self rather than in the trappings of the world, Zen Buddhism and its temples have accumulated some amazing stuff. Not rock gardens, ikebana, or Noh masks. Those Zen-influenced traditional arts were largely formulated and practiced by lay people, not monks. This show, in honor of the 750th anniversary of the founding of Kamakura’s Kenchoji temple, reveals Zen’s focus on quality over quantity in significant works from Japan’s oldest Zen temples. ... [/] John McGee / Metropolis Tokyo