Exhibition/event has ended.

"Temple Tresures of Buddhist Sculpture from Rokuharamitsuji, Kyoto" Exhibition

Tokyo National Museum
Finished
Rokuharamitsuji, originally named Saikoji, was founded by the priest Kuya Shonin outside the capital of Kyoto (present Higashiyamaku of Kyoto city) in the mid-10th century during the Heian period (794-1192). It became a betsuin (a branch of the head temple) of Tendai Buddhism in 977 and was given its current name. The district around Rokuharamitsuji was adjacent to a mortuary place, where funerals were held and cemeteries were located, and was also popular as a marketplace. Buddhist events were frequently held and attracted many people. Many stories related to the temple are included in collections of stories and legends such as The Anthology of Tales from the Past. In the second half of the 12th century members of the Heike clan had their residences in this area, and in the Kamakura period (1192-1333) the military government in Kamakura had its branch office Rokuhara Tandai there.

Because Rokuharamitsuji continued to attract many people, and also because it was located in a place of political importance, Heian and Kamakura period masterpieces of Buddhist statues have been preserved there. These include: The Standing Jikokuten (Dhrtarastra), produced around the time the priest Kuya established the temple; The Seated Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru), one of the earliest examples of yosegizukuri (joined-block method) work; The Standing Jizo Bosatsu (Ksitigarbha) said to have been sculpted by Jocho, a master sculptor highly esteemed by Heian period aristocrats and respected by sculptors of later generations; as well as works of the Kei school artists including Unkei, the leader of the Kamakura period sculptural world.

We are fortunate to be able to display the statues from Rokuharamitsuji, which seldom leave the temple, here at the Museum on the occasion of the renovation of the temple's treasure house. The display demonstrates how the sculptural style of Buddhist statues changed from the 10th through the 13th century. Please enjoy them at your leisure.

Schedule

Jul 10 (Thu) 2008-Sep 21 (Sun) 2008 

Opening Hours Information

Hours
9:30-17:00
Closed
Monday
Open on a public holiday Monday but closed on the following day.
Closed during the New Year holidays.
FeeAdults ¥1000; University Students ¥500; High School Students and Under, Under 18s and Seniors 70 & Over free. Special Exhibition Fees may be charged separately.
Websitehttp://www.tnm.jp/en/servlet/Con?pageId=B01&processId=01&event_id=5587
VenueTokyo National Museum
https://www.tnm.jp/?lang=en
Location13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8712
Access10 minute walk from the Koen exit of JR Ueno Station, 13 minute walk from the Main exit of Keisei Ueno Station on the Keisei line, 15 minute walk from exit 7 at Ueno Station on the Ginza and Hibiya lines.
Phone050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)