NARA -- The Nara National Museum in Nara City announced Friday that it will hold "The 73rd Annual Exhibition of Shoso-in Treasures" from Oct. 30 to Nov. 15.
It will showcase 55 treasures, many of which symbolize the glamorous Tenpyo culture that flourished in the eighth century, such as "Raden Shitan no Genkan" (Genkan Lute of Shitan with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay), a four-stringed musical instrument with a disk-shaped body and a long neck.
Eight items will be shown at the exhibition for the first time.
The Genkan lute, 100.4 centimeters long and 39 centimeters wide, is an item that represents the Shoso-in collection. On the pickguard of the central part of the body, a woman playing the musical instrument and three others listening to it are depicted, while the back is decorated with Chinese-style floral patterns and two parrots. The neck has drawings of flowers and leaves. Adorned with gorgeous decorations made of seashells and amber, the lute is an eye-catching gem.
Other treasures to be featured include "Chohankin no Onshoku" (Armrest with Striped Compound Patterned-Weave [Nishiki] Cloth). The item, decorated with Chinese floral patterns and bird designs, belonged to Emperor Shomu (701-756). "Urushi Kinpaku E no Ban" (Lacquered Pedestal for an Incense Burner with Gold Leaf and Painting) in the shape of a lotus flower will also be on display.
As in the previous year, visitors will be required to buy their tickets in advance, reserving a specific date and time of entry, as part of measures against the novel coronavirus. The number of people admitted to the venue will be limited to about 500 per hour. Tickets will be sold from 10 a.m. on Sept. 25 via Lawson Ticket on a first-come, first-served basis.
A newly launched website, shosoin-ten.jp, will provide information on the Shoso-in repository and its treasures not only during the exhibition but also throughout the year.
The Yomiuri Shimbun will provide special support to the annual exhibition.
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