A special exhibition featuring precious ancient treasures of the Shosoin repository, held in honor of the enthronement of the Emperor, started at the Tokyo National Museum in Tokyo on Monday.
About 5,400 people visited the venue on the first day of the exhibition, "Shosoin: Essential Treasures of Ancient Japan Passed Down by the Imperial Family." They seemed fascinated by the gorgeous items on display.
A total of 43 items related to Shosoin will be displayed in the two halves of the exhibition period, with the first half running through Nov. 4 and the second half running Nov. 6 to 24. The exhibition is closed on Mondays (except national holidays) and Nov. 5.
Items in the first half of the exhibition include Raden Shitan no Gogen Biwa (Red sandalwood five-string biwa lute with mother-of-pearl design) a musical instrument of Indian origin. Second-half items will include Hei Raden Hai no Hakkaku Kyo (Eight-lobed bronze mirror with mother-of-pearl inlay of flowers and birds).
In addition, 16 items associated with the treasures of Horyuji temple in Nara Prefecture, including national treasure Ryushu Suibyo (Dragon-headed Ewer, cast bronze, gold and silver gilding, inlaid glass), are on display. The ewer is also a second-half item.
A 57-year-old male company employee visiting the exhibit said, "Raden Shitan no Gogen Biwa has a deep color and I could feel the history of the treasure."
The exhibition is coorganized by the Tokyo National Museum, The Yomiuri Shimbun and other entities.
Meanwhile, a similar exhibition, "The 71st Annual Exhibition of Shosoin Treasures," will also be held in honor of the enthronement at the Nara National Museum in Nara from Oct. 26 to Nov. 14. It is organized by the Nara National Museum, and with the special cooperation of The Yomiuri Shimbun.
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