Treasures of JapanA catalogue of Japan's designated cultural properties 2,690 works catalogued

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Important Cultural Property

The Bodhisattva Monju from Illustrated Story of a Pilgrimage to Fifty-Five Deities

華厳五十五所絵巻断簡（文殊菩薩）

At a glance — Painting · Heian period, 12th century · held by Tokyo National Museum · designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Fact Sheet

Designation: Important Cultural Property (重要文化財)
Category: Paintings
Period: Heian period, 12th century
Date: 1101–1200
Held by: Tokyo National Museum
Location: Ueno, Tokyo
Catalogue ID: cobas-47488

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Same period: Heian paintings →
At this museum: All 1632 works here →

This work was originally part of an illustrated handscroll that depicts the journey of a boy named Sudhana in his quest for enlightenment. In the tale, Sudhana, as advised by the bodhisattva Monju, visits 55 learned beings to receive Buddhist teachings. Flowing brush lines, the use of light colors, and adorably depicted Sudhana create a supple impression.

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.

Record & Sources

Designation: Important Cultural Property (重要文化財), Government of Japan
Catalogue ID: cobas-47488 (permanent)
Official record: Japan Search — jpsearch.go.jp/item/cobas-47488
Holder's collection: ColBase — Tokyo National Museum
Photograph: Tokyo National Museum, via ColBase — CC BY 4.0. CC BY 4.0 licence

Cite this page: “The Bodhisattva Monju from Illustrated Story of a Pilgrimage to Fifty-Five Deities（華厳五十五所絵巻断簡（文殊菩薩））.” Treasures of Japan, catalogue no. cobas-47488. Tokyo National Museum. https://treasures.yamato-kenkou.com/treasures/the-bodhisattva-monju-from-illustrated-story-of-a-pilgrimage-to-fifty-five-deities/ — entry last verified 1 November 2026.

Full record data (as published in the official catalogue record)