Eternal Treasures from Kasugataisha Shrine

⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Never to miss for all
Official Site

Site: Tokyo National Museum
Until: 12th March, 2017

Kasugataisha is one of greatest Shinto shrines, dating back to 8th century.

One of the best Painted Scrolls ("Emaki") is here: "Kasuga Gongen Genki-E" (circa 1309, cat. 153 & 154) by Takashina no Takakane, with vivid color and authentic court style in tranquility, original of which is in former Imperial Collection and now under long-term restoration project.  It is of so beauty that even copies made by Edo-period painters are still of charm.

The core of the exhibition consists of the best medieval artifacts contributed to Kasuga deities.  Aesthetics of "Kuge" (nobilities of ancient blood) embody oneself in Lacquered Zither (cat. 23), Flat Quiver (cat. 46) and Sword Mounting with Tweezer-shaped Opening in Handle and Cats Hunting Sparrows on Lacquered Sheath(cat. 58): gentleness, sophistication and slow rhythm.

On the other hand, the taste of Samurais takes form in the grandeur of Armors with Red Lacing (cat. 185 and 186) and Sword Mounting with Scattered Signatures on Lacquered Sheath.  It is the rare occasion that the two Armors with Red Lacing, both National Treasure, could be seen at the same time.  Many masterwork swords, with fine steel and mysterious pattern which can rival with Damascus blades, are also there.

Kasugataisha Shrine used to be integrated with Buddhist Kofukuji Temple.  When they were artificially separated in early Meiji era, not a few Buddhist arts in Kasugataisha went to antique market, and then to museum collections.  Among them are such masterpieces as elegant Manusri Seated on a Lion (cat. 124), infant-faced Standing Ekadasamkha (cat. 133) small but mighty Standing Manjusri (cat. 135) and splendid team of Manusri Seated on a Lion with Attendants (cat. 136).