Exhibition/event has ended.
Gigaku Masks from Tōdaiji Temple by Kasuga no Hitomaro and Kieishi
Nara National Museum
Finished
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Nara-period (710–784) masks worn in performances of gigaku, mimed skits introduced into Japan from China in the seventh and eighth centuries, have been preserved in nearly perfect condition at Tōdaiji (30 masks) and in the Shōsō-in Repository (171 masks). Originally all were stored at Tōdaiji, many of them having been used in the Consecration of the Great Buddha or “Eye-Opening Ceremony” (Daibutsu Kaigen E) on the ninth day of the fourth month of Tenpyō Shōhō 4 (752). As artifacts, these gigaku masks are on par with the set of seventh-century gigaku masks passed down in Hōryūji and now in the Tokyo National Museum. Since the Heian period (794–1184), gigaku gradually ceased to be performed, resulting in the particulars of this art form becoming obscure. These mask sets, therefore, serve as important objects that allow us to envision the true nature of this performing art.
From among the gigaku masks originally owned by Tōdaiji, including a few now in private collections, this exhibition presents three gigaku masks by Kasuga no Hitomaro, a carver newly identified through recent research. The gigaku masks Suiko-ō and Suikojū by the carver Kieishi, one of the artisans who produced masks for the Consecration of the Great Buddha, will be exhibited in the same hall and will showcase the fascination of these uniquely individualistic masks imbued with foreign elements.
From among the gigaku masks originally owned by Tōdaiji, including a few now in private collections, this exhibition presents three gigaku masks by Kasuga no Hitomaro, a carver newly identified through recent research. The gigaku masks Suiko-ō and Suikojū by the carver Kieishi, one of the artisans who produced masks for the Consecration of the Great Buddha, will be exhibited in the same hall and will showcase the fascination of these uniquely individualistic masks imbued with foreign elements.
Schedule | Oct 1 (Tue) 2024-Dec 22 (Sun) 2024 Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Adults ¥700; University Students ¥350; High School Students and Under, Seniors 70 & Over, Persons with Disability Certificates + 1 Companion free. | ||||
| Website | https://www.narahaku.go.jp/english/exhibition/special/202410_gigakumen/ | ||||
| Venue | Nara National Museum https://www.narahaku.go.jp/english/ | ||||
| Location | 50 Noborioji-cho, Nara-shi, Nara 630-8213 | ||||
| Access | 15 minute walk from exit 2 at Kintetsu-Nara Station on the Kintetsu line; From the East exit of Nara Station on the JR Kansai Main line, take the Nara Kotsu bus and get off at Himurojinja-Kokuritsuhakubutsukan. | ||||
| Phone | 050-5542-8600 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it |
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