Highlights
*First Rotation: July 17–August 12, 2024
Second Rotation: August 14–September 8, 2024
1. Kūkai’s Temple: 1,200-Year-Old Sacred Treasures from the Dawn of Shingon
Kūkai founded the Shingon school in Japan based on a systematized form of esoteric practice he studied in China. Its adherents have created intricate works of art throughout Shingon’s long history, including mandalas illustrating the cosmological worldviews described in its teachings and diverse types of ritual implements. The exhibition will feature close to 100 venerated works of esoteric Buddhist art, including 17 National Treasures and 44 Important Cultural Properties, many of which are sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts that date to Kūkai’s lifetime.
The Buddha Śākyamuni
Heian period, 12th century, Jingoji Temple, Kyoto
(National Treasure)
Second Rotation
(detail)
Minamoto no Yoritomo (Purportedly)
Kamakura period, 13th century, Jingoji Temple, Kyoto
(National Treasure)
First Rotation
(detail)
Registry of Abhişeka Rite Recipients
By Kūkai, Heian period, 812, Jingoji Temple, Kyoto
(National Treasure)
On exhibit from July 17 through August 25, 2024
2. A Historic First: The Buddha Yakushi On View Off Temple Grounds
Yakushi is a buddha associated with medicine and healing who was venerated in Japan prior to Shingon’s introduction. This statue was the principal object of worship at one of the temples that merged to form Jingoji. A masterpiece of early Heian sculpture, the figure’s stern expression combined with full, rounded features have a unique and powerful effect on the viewer. The exhibition marks the first time in history this revered statue will be available for viewing outside the temple.
(detail)
(detail)
The Buddha Yakushi (Bhaiṣajyaguru)
Heian period, 8th–9th century, Jingoji Temple, Kyoto
(National Treasure)
3. Unveiled after a Centuries-Long Wait for Conservation:
National Treasure The Mandala of the Two Realms (Takao Mandala)
The Mandala of the Two Realms collectively refers to mandalas depicting the Womb Realm and Diamond Realm of esoteric Buddhist cosmology. Produced during Kūkai’s lifetime, Jingoji’s mandala is the oldest extant one of its kind. Its other name, the Takao Mandala, alludes to Jingoji’s location on Mount Takao. The individual mandalas are almost four square meters in size. The mandala will be unveiled at the exhibition in renewed splendor after its first conservation treatment in nearly 230 years.
Diamond Realm Mandala
Womb Realm Mandala
Mandala of the Two Realms, Known as the “Takao Mandala”
Heian period, 9th century, Jingoji Temple, Kyoto
(National Treasure)
Diamond Realm Mandala: Second Rotation
Womb Realm Mandala: First Rotation
4. Oldest Extant Set of the Five Manifestations of the Bodhisattva Kokūzō (Skt. Ākāśagarbha)
The Five Manifestations of the Bodhisattva Kokūzō were enshrined under the oversight of Kūkai’s successor, Shinzei. They comprise the oldest extant set of all five figures made in Japan. Emperor Ninmyō (810–850) is thought to have commissioned them to invoke divine protection of the state. Their elegant features and balanced compositions indicate they were produced by the most skilled sculptors of the day. All five statues will be on view as a set outside the temple in a groundbreaking first during the exhibition.
The Five Great Manifestations of the Bodhisattva Kokūzō (Ākāśagarbha)
Heian period, 9th century, Jingoji Temple, Kyoto
(National Treasure)
（644KB）
