For big fan of ancient Buddhist art, especially for those who hunt National treasures, it was very exciting season and busy to go to museums where hold the exhibition during Golden week holiday. I went to Tokyo National Museum in Ueno park to see the Exhibition of National Treasures from Yakushi-ji Temple. Last week, I went to Shin-Yakushi-ji Temple to see the Twelve generals, and this time, I could see the bronze sculptures of Nikko(日光), means the sun, and Gakko（月光）, means the moon, made in Hakuo period (A.D.672-686) as National Treasures.
That’s a good chance that you’ll be able to see the back shot of the sculptures. In most cases, a statue set on the proper place in the hall of temple, you would not be able to see it from behind of it. However, in this exhibition, every statues were standing alone and displayed without their nimbus, besides, there was a deck in front of the Nikko and Gakko so that visitors could see on the same level with both of statues. So I could tell the difference of these looking between the one when I saw on the deck and the other when I could see from lower point.
The appearance of Buddha statue changes depending on where you look at it from. I walked around every bodhisattva statue to find out the best view, but it was hard to decide it. As bodhisattva statue twisted the body, so the outlines of the body gradually changed at every step I took. I enjoyed the variety of the lines.
At the Kichijouten (吉祥天), is also designated National Treasure, booth, it was hard to see it because a lot of people gathered in front of the Kichijouten picture like a wall. The museum staffs made the visitors move along not to stack in front of it, but the visitors tried to stay there as much as possible. Indeed, it was worth watching.
The number of works in this exhibition was small, but almost of them were designated as National Treasure or Important Cultural Properties. It must be rare chance to see them at once, I do recommend you go there. This exhibition is showing untill June 8, 2008.
After watching the Exhibition of Yakushi-ji temple, I went to another exhibition whoch was held at the same time in Tokyo National Museum on “The Lantingji Xuin(蘭亭序)”, which is one of the most well-known East Asian style Calligraphy works, but as I was exhausted to see the Yakushi-ji’s works, I couldn’t concentrate on the works of the exhibition “The Lantingji Xuin”. It was a pity that this exhibition will finish on May 6th, but I was relieved to know that another exhibition will be held at Edo-Tokyo Museum in this July named “The Palace Museum. A well-known treasure on Calligraphy” and will display “The Lantingji Xuin” works. I hope to see them again.
May 25th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Thanks for writing such an interesting blog. I have bookmarked you and will continue to read in future!
May 26th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Thanks for your comment, Eben. I’m glad to see you on my web site. As there are many events concerning type design and typography in Japan, so let me show you them. I need a lot of time to translate articles to English, but I’ll try it as soon as possible. I also would like to know the information on type design all over the world, I hope we keep in touch with each other. Thanks!
Kunihiko Okano Shotype.com
January 2nd, 2009 at 12:10 pm
I just saw an NHK special TV feature on the temple Shin-Yakushiji with the Twelve Generals and the large Buddha statues. I was amazed by their beauty and power, sinuousness and tremendous sculptural quality. The clay statues also showed signs of painting detail and relation to 8th century fabric design. I really felt the presence of the people and worshippers from 1200 years ago.
I used to make inlaid furniture — and still plan to do more — and love this kind of inspiration of design combined with inner power and spirit. I really enjoyed your description of the show. While I really liked their original setting in the temple, having the chance to see them on their own in 360 degree view must be valuable. Thanks for your description, I found it as I tried to learn more. I am hoping I can find a book with good photographs of the statues.
Good Luck!
January 3rd, 2009 at 1:40 am
Thanks for your comment. I’m glad to know you were interested in my article.
It was a pity that I missed the NHK program you’ve watched! I hope NHK reruns the program.
The show was really impressive. I thought it was one of great shows I’ve ever seen.
As I had been in Kansai area where is Western part of Japan few years ago, I could get to Kyoto and Nara easily. There are a lot of wonderful temples and impressive Buddha statues, I’d often got to see them. And I also love to see Buddha statuses in Museum, because I can get close to see them and understand the history of them reading explanations and captions. The worse thing to go to Museum in Japan, especially in Tokyo, is every show was packed by huge crowd of people.
Are you in Japan? I thought so because you saw the NHK program.
If you were in Japan, I recommend you go to Museum shop where is near your place to check a book on Buddha statues. I often go to the shop in Tokyo national museum to find a book on Japanese art. There are a lot of beautiful books not only Japanese but also English editions.
Best wishes for a happy new year!
Kunihiko Okano Shotype.com