Nara’s Ancient Temples and Buddhist Statues

August 5, 2010

Nara’s Ancient Temples and Buddhist Statues

Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2010 One of the luxuries of living in Tokyo is having the ancient National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties of Kyoto and Nara come for frequent visits. A case in point is this show at the Mitsui Memorial Museum in Nihombashi, which presents dozens of Buddhist statues and craftworks […]

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Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2010

Courtesy of Asukaen

One of the luxuries of living in Tokyo is having the ancient National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties of Kyoto and Nara come for frequent visits. A case in point is this show at the Mitsui Memorial Museum in Nihombashi, which presents dozens of Buddhist statues and craftworks from historical temples like Todai-ji and Horyu-ji. Coming on the 1,300th anniversary of the establishment of the ancient capital of Heijo-kyo, the exhibition offers insights into the immense effect these works would have on a populace just in the process of discovering Buddhism.

Mitsui Memorial Museum
Nara’s Ancient Temples and Buddhist Statues, With Poems by Aizu Yaichi. Until Sep 9, free (MS and under)/¥700 (HS, univ)/¥900 (70 and over)/¥1,200 (adult). 7F Mitsui Main Bldg, 2-1-1 Nihombashi-Muromachi, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-5777-8600. Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Mon. Nearest stn: Mitsukoshi-mae. www.mitsui-museum.jp