NARA -- The 73rd Annual Exhibition of Shoso-in Treasures started at the Nara National Museum on Saturday, showcasing selected masterpieces from the Tenpyo culture that flourished in eighth-century Japan.
The exhibition features 55 treasures from the Shoso-in repository in Nara, including eight items that have never been exhibited before. One such item is the "Lacquered Pedestal for an Incense Burner with Gold Leaf and Painting," a lotus-shaped incense burner featuring images of flora and fauna in vivid colors.
Exhibits linked to writing culture are another focus of this year's exhibition, which features items including a ceramic inkstone and stand made of ivory and deer antler, as well as brushes, ink sticks and paper.
As part of measures against the novel coronavirus, visitors are required to buy tickets in advance and reserve both the date and time of entry. The number of visitors will be limited to about 500 people per hour.
"The lacquered pedestal has a dynamic design evoking an image of a flame. It looks novel even now in the Reiwa era," a 62-year-old visitor of Tenri, Nara Prefecture. "Viewing these treasures with my own eyes has given me energy."
Organized with support from The Yomiuri Shimbun, the exhibition is open seven days a week and runs through Nov. 15.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
