The Revived Beauty of Asuka and Nara Period Textiles: Treasures from Horyuji Temple on View for the First Time

Between the fiscal years of 2010 and 2013, fabric fragments originally from Horyuji Temple underwent restoration at the Tokyo National Museum. At this exhibition, we will display 53 pieces that were restored between the fiscal years of 2012 and 2013.

It is believed that these fragments were originally part of the "Horyuji Treasures" donated to the Imperial Household and later transferred to the museum in 1882. They are of great value, some being from the embroidery Tenjukoku Shucho, which was created on the occasion of the death of Prince Shotoku (574-622), a great patron of Buddhism, and Pendent Ornament of Canopy, which is considered one of the oldest paintings on silk in Japan. Many of these fragments have unique features not found in other Horyuji Treasures and will thus be invaluable for research.

During the restoration process, these fragments were removed from between the glass panes used to store them, their threads were realigned, and they were backed with Japanese paper. Some fragments are now supported by cushions made of materials such as Japanese paper and polyester cotton. No longer obscured by stains and the bluish tint of the glass panes, the colors of these ancient Asuka (593-710) and Nara (710-794) period fragments have been vividly revived, and their beauty may now be appreciated to the fullest.

We invite visitors to take advantage of this rare opportunity to view a large number of these fragments, which are on display for the very first time.