The Nara National Museum in Nara City on Tuesday announced it will hold "The 72nd Annual Exhibition of Shoso-in Treasures" from Oct. 24 to Nov. 9.
As measures against the coronavirus, there will be a limit of about 260 visitors per hour, and dates and times must be reserved in advance.
A total of 59 items will be showcased, including four items to be displayed for the first time. Treasures that symbolize Tenpyo culture will be on display, among others.
"Shitanso no Biwa" (Red Sandalwood Lute), 98.5 centimeters long and 41.2 centimeters wide, is made with prized materials such as red sandalwood and ebony wood. The plectrum guard is decorated with an image of a pair of waterfowl taking off from the water's surface, as a raptor prepares to attack from the sky.
"Heiradenhai no Enkyo" (Round Bronze Mirror with Birds, Lions, and Rhinoceroses among Flowers) is considered to have been brought back from China by a Japanese envoy to the Tang Dynasty. The back of the mirror is decorated with pieces of seashells and turquoise, vividly depicting patterns such as flower petals and birds.
There are also many items related to ancient medicine such as "Goshiki Ryushi" (Multi-Hued "Dragon Teeth"), a Chinese medical item thought to actually be a fossilized elephant tooth. The exhibition conveys the prayers of ancient people, who endured illness and disaster, to the present-day world as it faces the coronavirus epidemic.
The Yomiuri Shimbun will provide special support to the annual exhibition.
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