The 1400th Memorial for Prince Shōtoku
HŌRYŪJI
Prince Shōtoku and Treasures of Early Buddhist Faith in Japan
Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Special Exhibition Galleries July 13, 2021 (Tue)-September 5, 2021 (Sun)
Hōryūji Temple is said to have been founded in 607 (Suiko 15) by Empress Suiko (554–628) and Prince Shōtoku (574–622) in what is now Nara Prefecture. Prince Shōtoku earnestly sought after Buddhist truths and built the foundation for the future of Japanese culture. His achievements include establishing a system of twelve courtly ranks and promulgating a set of ethical mores that came to be known as the "Seventeen Article Constitution." After his death, Prince Shōtoku was semi-deified and gained an active religious following. The figure of Prince Shōtoku that we inherit today is this coalescence of history, mythology, and faith.
The year 2021 marks the 1,400th anniversary of Prince Shōtoku's passing, and this exhibition is held to commemorate this occasion. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn of Prince Shōtoku's accomplishments as they take in the beauty of the many treasures passed down at the temple he founded.