"Contemporary Vision - Ancient Art: The New Gallery of Hôryûji Treasures"
1999-07-20 until 1999-08-29
Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo, , JP Japan

The Hôryûji Treasures consist of over 300 valuable objects, mainly from the 7th - 8th century, which were donated to the Imperial Household from Hôryûji Temple in 1878. After the war most of these items became the property of the state and are now well known throughout Japan as a superb collection of ancient Japanese art. With this reconstruction of the former Gallery, a major portion of the collection will now be regularly open to the public. The new Gallery of Hôryûji Treasures was designed by Yoshio Taniguchi and has been furnished with the latest in conservation technology. The collection is displayed in 6 rooms and is divided into categories such as gilt bronze Buddhist statues, Gigaku masks, wood and lacquer ware, metal work, painting, calligraphy, and textiles. The research room on the 2nd floor mezzanine holds the new digital archive which allows visitors to view all of the Hôryûji Treasures on computer with explanations provided in every major language. A lounge with refreshments will also be open on the ground floor.

The opening exhibition to celebrate the new Gallery includes the Hôryûji Treasures still held by the Imperial Household Agency and those objects which were returned to Hôryûji Temple after the war. Also, those national treasures from Hôryûji Temple which are closely linked to the collection such as the Yumetagae Kannon and the statue of Priest Gyôshin Sôzu will be on display especially for this occasion. We hope you will enjoy the new Gallery and its masterpieces of early Japanese art.

Related Links:

Yoshio Taniguchi - MOMA EXPANSION

Indepth Arts Resources for Japan

Other Important Exhibitions in Japan