Calligraphy: Record of Horyuji and Biography of Prince Shotoku; Textile: Buddhist Banners and Bottom Sections of Buddhist Banners from Horyuji
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Kokon Mokurokusho (Record of Horyu-ji and Biography of Prince Shotoku) (detail), By Kenshin, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures Room 6
February 26, 2020 (Wed) - March 15, 2020 (Sun)The calligraphy primarily consists of the kenmotsu-chō records of Empress Kōken’s donation to the temple, the Lotus Sutra in Minute Characters imported from Tang dynasty China, and the temple’s records of daily events as well as legends concerning Prince Shōtoku.
The textiles of the Hōryūji Treasures date from the mid–7th to 8th century and consist mainly of ban (banners used for Buddhist ceremonies), joku mats, and priests’ Funzō-e (“patchwork” stoles), and robes. The textiles also include various types of fragments whose original use is unknown, primarily nishiki brocade, tapestry and warp ikat weave fragments of Kanton banners, ra, and plain and twill weave silks.
Among the dyed fabrics are examples of the sankechi dyeing techniques; kōkechi (tie-dyeing), rōkechi (wax-resist dyeing), and kyōkechi (board-jammed dyeing). Additionally there are the unusually numerous types of pieces like embroidery, braid, and rugs.
Exhibit includes:
Calligraphy:
Kokon Mokurokusho (Record of Horyu-ji and Biography of Prince Shotoku), By Kenshin, Kamakura period, 13th century (Important Cultural Property)
Textiles:
Fragment of Ban (Buddhist Ritual Banner), Asuka–Nara period, 7th–8th century
Fragment of Ban (Buddhist Ritual Banner) "Banner Leg" With paired dragons, flowers and four-petal flower roundels design on dark green ground, Asuka–Nara period, 7th–8th century (Important Cultural Property)