Re-creating National Treasures: Tanaka Shinbi and Reproductions

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Lotus Sutra Donated by Heike Clan (Heike Nokyo) (Copy), Hoto chapter, vol. 11, Copied by Tanaka Shinbi, Taisho-Showa era, 20th century (On exhibit through November 9, 2014)

Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Thematic Exhibition Room
October 15, 2014 (Wed) - December 7, 2014 (Sun)

Throughout his lifetime, Tanaka Shinbi (1875-1975) created numerous reproductions of National Treasures. He learned painting from his father, Tanaka Yubi (1840-1933), and became a pupil of the great Japanese-style calligrapher Tada Shinai (1840-1905). From him, Shinbi learned the importance of copying as a learning process. He took part in the reproduction of famous pieces such as The Tale of Genji Scrolls (National Treasure) from a young age, and created reproductions of decorated writing paper and the Hongwanji version of the Anthology of Thirty-six Poets (National Treasure) around the turn of the century.

From 1920, it became possible to create reproductions of the Lotus Sutra Donated by the Heike Clan (National Treasure) through the financial aid of businessmen and wealthy art enthusiasts. This project - originally proposed by the Itsukushima Shrine, where this artwork is kept - did not only consist of copying the sutra's text and images. It was a thorough undertaking involving the reproduction of the sutra's lavish decorated paper, delicately-crafted metal fittings, and bronze sutra box. Five separate reproductions of this artwork, which consists of 33 separate scrolls and a box to hold them, were created. The first set is preserved at Itsukushima Shrine, while the one formerly owned by the entrepreneur Masuda Dono (1848-1938) is now in the museum's collection.

In addition to collecting reproductions such as these, the Tokyo National Museum has also been creating them since its establishment in 1872. This exhibition will introduce visitors to the reproductions of Tanaka Shinbi along with some of the reproduction projects the museum undertook in its early years.

Major works in this exhibition

* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.

Mahamayuri (Kujaku Myo'o) (Copy), Copied by Yokoyama Taikan, Meiji era, 19th century, Original: Important Cultural Property, preserved at Anrakujuin, Kyoto, Kamakura period, 13th century (On exhibit through November 9, 2014)
Lotus Sutra Donated by Heike Clan (Heike Nokyo) (Copy), Hoto chapter, vol. 11, Copied by Tanaka Shinbi, Taisho-Showa era, 20th century, Original: National Treasure, preserved at Itsukushima Jinja, Hiroshima, Heian period, dated 1164 (On exhibit through November 9, 2014)
Lotus Sutra Donated by Heike Clan (Heike Nokyo) (Copy), Daiba chapter, vol. 12, Copied by Tanaka Shinbi, Taisho-Showa era, Original: National Treasure, preserved at Itsukushima Jinja, Hiroshima, 20th century, Heian period, dated 1164 (On exhibit from November 11, 2014)
Anthology of Thirty-six Poets (Copy), Hongwanji version, Akahito section, Copied by Tanaka Shinbi, Taisho-Showa era, 20th century, Original: National Treasure, preserved at Nishi Hongwanji, Kyoto, Heian period, 12th century (On exhibit through November 9, 2014)
Anthology of Thirty-six Poets (Copy), Hongwanji version, Ise section, Copied by Tanaka Shinbi, Taisho-Showa era, 20th century, Original: National Treasure, preserved at Nishi Hongwanji, Kyoto, Heian period, 12th century (On exhibit from November 11, 2014)