Exhibition/event has ended.
The 76th Annual Exhibition of Shoso-in Treasures
Nara National Museum
FinishedReservation Required
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The Annual Exhibition of Shoso-in Treasures is an important part of Nara’s autumnal resplendence. Since its start in 1946, it has been a celebrated tradition of the ancient capital. This year, we welcome its seventy-sixth iteration.
The beloved personal possessions of the Nara-period sovereign Emperor Shomu (701–756; r. 724–749) that were donated shortly after his passing lie at the core of what we refer to as the Shoso-in treasures. The many and various objects comprising this precious collection transmit to the present day a glimpse of the flourishing arts and culture of the Tenpyo era (mid-eighth century); they create a framework for understanding that classical period. For centuries, the Shoso-in treasures were placed in one of Todaiji’s storehouses (shoso), where they were protected and managed as important temple properties. One reason they have been passed down to the present day as a nearly complete and well-preserved set is that they were carefully guarded, with a special seal (chokufu) restricting access.
This year, as ever, the Repository in its entirety is represented by a selection of treasures including furnishings and attire, Buddhist ritual implements and ornaments, along with written records and documents. Among them, the beautiful Arm Rest Covered in a Patterned Silk (Nishiki) with a Design of Phoenix Medallions on a Purple Ground (North Section 47) has paramount importance as an object used by Emperor Shōmu. Many treasures make exquisite use of glass, catching the eye with their delightful splendor. In addition to such personal adornments as the Green Glass Ruler Pendant (Middle Section 111) and the Green Glass Fish-Shaped Ornament (Middle Section 128), the Twelve-Pointed Silver Mirror Decorated with Gold and Cloisonné (South Section 70) brings into a sumptuous contrast luminous glass greens outlined in shining gold. Other fascinating works like the Aloeswood Offering Box with Marquetry Design (Middle Section 142) and the Red Sandalwood Scroll Stand with Gold and Silver Painting (South Section 174) display the heights of decorative techniques reached during the Nara period. Finally, on display this year are replicas produced through the decades by the Office of the Shoso-in, Imperial Household Agency. Close inspection of these carefully reproduced items will familiarize you with the techniques used to make the Shoso-in treasures, deepening your appreciation of the originals.
The beloved personal possessions of the Nara-period sovereign Emperor Shomu (701–756; r. 724–749) that were donated shortly after his passing lie at the core of what we refer to as the Shoso-in treasures. The many and various objects comprising this precious collection transmit to the present day a glimpse of the flourishing arts and culture of the Tenpyo era (mid-eighth century); they create a framework for understanding that classical period. For centuries, the Shoso-in treasures were placed in one of Todaiji’s storehouses (shoso), where they were protected and managed as important temple properties. One reason they have been passed down to the present day as a nearly complete and well-preserved set is that they were carefully guarded, with a special seal (chokufu) restricting access.
This year, as ever, the Repository in its entirety is represented by a selection of treasures including furnishings and attire, Buddhist ritual implements and ornaments, along with written records and documents. Among them, the beautiful Arm Rest Covered in a Patterned Silk (Nishiki) with a Design of Phoenix Medallions on a Purple Ground (North Section 47) has paramount importance as an object used by Emperor Shōmu. Many treasures make exquisite use of glass, catching the eye with their delightful splendor. In addition to such personal adornments as the Green Glass Ruler Pendant (Middle Section 111) and the Green Glass Fish-Shaped Ornament (Middle Section 128), the Twelve-Pointed Silver Mirror Decorated with Gold and Cloisonné (South Section 70) brings into a sumptuous contrast luminous glass greens outlined in shining gold. Other fascinating works like the Aloeswood Offering Box with Marquetry Design (Middle Section 142) and the Red Sandalwood Scroll Stand with Gold and Silver Painting (South Section 174) display the heights of decorative techniques reached during the Nara period. Finally, on display this year are replicas produced through the decades by the Office of the Shoso-in, Imperial Household Agency. Close inspection of these carefully reproduced items will familiarize you with the techniques used to make the Shoso-in treasures, deepening your appreciation of the originals.
Schedule | Oct 26 (Sat) 2024-Nov 11 (Mon) 2024 Reservation RequiredOpening Hours Information
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| Fee | Adults ¥2000, University and High School Students ¥1500, Junior High and Elementary School Students ¥500 *Admission requires the purchase of a "date and time-specific ticket," which must be reserved in advance. | ||||
| Website | https://www.narahaku.go.jp/english/exhibition/special/202410_shosoin/ | ||||
| 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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