NARA -- The 71st Annual Exhibition of Shosoin Treasures opened at the Nara National Museum in Nara on Saturday in commemoration of the Emperor's enthronement.
About 900 people waited in line for the opening to see the precious ancient treasures that represent the Shosoin repository. The exhibition has been organized by the museum in special cooperation with The Yomiuri Shimbun.
Forty-one items are being displayed in this year's exhibition, the first in the Reiwa era, including four that are being shown for the first time.
The exhibition includes "Nono Gorairi" (red leather ceremonial shoes) that are believed to had been worn by Emperor Shomu in a Buddhism ceremony in 752, and "Shitan Kinden no Egoro" (red sandalwood incense burner with long handle and gold inlay), a beautifully decorated Buddhist ritual implement. These items are associated with the Imperial household or with the ceremonies held at the Imperial Palace.
For the first time in 20 years, all six panels of "Torige Ritsujo no Byobu" (screen panels with bird feathers decorating a lady under a tree) are exhibited. On Saturday, visitors to the exhibition carefully observed, depicted on the panels, women with a voluptuous appearance that was considered the ideal form of feminine beauty during the Tenpyo era in the eighth century.
The exhibition runs until Nov. 14 and is open daily.
In Tokyo, a special exhibition, "Shosoin: Essential Treasures of Ancient Japan Passed Down by the Imperial Family," is being held until Nov. 24. This event is organized by The Yomiuri Shimbun and others.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
