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Cultural Heritage of Sri Lanka — The Land of Serendipity

  • Image of "Seated Avalokitesvara, Late Anuradhapura period, 9th century, Colombo National Museum"

    Seated Avalokitesvara, Late Anuradhapura period, 9th century, Colombo National Museum

    Hyokeikan
    September 17, 2008 (Wed) - November 30, 2008 (Sun)

    Sri Lanka is an island nation boasting a rich cultural heritage reaching back to more than 2000 years. This exhibition features items revealing the essence of Sri Lankan culture, such as images of Buddhist figures and Hindu gods, as well as artifacts, and introduces world heritage sites and natural beauty. This is the first time the finest examples of Sri Lankan cultural heritage are exhibited on a large scale in Japan.

 General Information
Period Wednesday, September 17 - Sunday, November 30, 2008
Venue Hyokeikan, Tokyo National Museum (Ueno Park)
Hours 9:30 - 17:00
Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays until 18:00
Fridays until 20:00
(last entry 30 minutes before closing)
Closed Mondays (open on holidays, closed on the next day instead)
Admissions Adults: 1,200 (1,000) yen
University students: 1,000 (800) yen
High school students: 800 (600) yen
Junior high school students and under: Free
* Prices shown in ( ) indicate advance and group (more than 20 persons) discount tickets.
* Persons with physical or mental disabilities are allowed free entry with one accompanying guest each.
* Advance tickets are on sale at the Museum ticket office (during museum hours) and e-Ticket Pia (P-code:Advance tickets=688-206; Day tickets=688-207), Lawson Ticket (L-code:35567), E-Plus, CN Playguide, and other major playguides until September 16, 2008.
* Special exhibition "Treasures by Rinpa Masters — Inheritance and Innovation" (Tuesday, October 7 - Sunday, November 16, 2008) requires a separate admission fee.
* Set admission tickets at the discount price of 2,000 yen are available for the two special exhibitions "Cultural Heritage of Sri Lanka - The Land of Serendipity" and "Treasures by Rinpa Masters - Inheritance and Innovation". On sale until Sunday, November 16, 2008.
Access 10 minutes' walk from JR Ueno Station (Park exit) and Uguisudani Station
15 minutes' walk from Keisei Ueno Station, Tokyo Metro Ueno Station and Tokyo Metro Nezu Station
Organizers Tokyo National Museum; The Yomiuri Shimbun; Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
With the Support of Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
With the Grant of Japan Foundation
With the Cooperation of SriLankan Airlines
General Inquiries 03-5777-8600 (Hello Dial: in Japanese)
Exhibition Official Website http://www.serendipity2008.jp/
The website has closed with the end of the exhibition.
 Related events (application required)
  Commemorative lecture (In Japanese)
"History and Art of Sri Lanka"
  Auditorium, Heiseikan
Saturday, October 4, 2008, 13:30 - 15:00
Lecture by: Koizumi Yoshihide, Curator of South Asian Art
  Commemorative lecture (In English with Japanese interpretations)
"Sri Lankan Heritage and Architecture"
  Auditorium, Heiseikan
Saturday, November 15, 2008, 13:30 - 15:00
Lecture by: Dr. Roland Silva, Honorary President of ICOMOS International
  Commemorative events (In Japanese)
"Wicky-san's Talk Show"
  Auditorium, Heiseikan
(1) Friday, October 3, 2008, 14:00-
(2) Friday, October 17, 2008, 18:30-
(3) Friday, October 31, 2008, 14:00-
(4) Friday, November 14, 2008, 18:30-
Lecture by: A. Wicky, Special PR Chief for the Exhibition
 Major Works on Display
1. Anuradhapura Period (3rd century B.C. - 11th century A.D.)
Yaksini   Yaksini
Jetavana Vihara, Anuradhapura
Late Anuradhapura period, 4th century
Limestone, H:37.6cm
Jetavana Museum, Anuradhapura
Seated Avalokitesvara   Seated Avalokitesvara
Veragala Sirisangabo Vihara, Allavava
Late Anuradhapura period, 9th century
Gilt bronze, solid cast, H:49.8cm
Colombo National Museum
Seated Buddha   Seated Buddha
Veragala Sirisangabo Vihara, Allavava
Late Anuradhapura period, 9th century
Gilt bronze, solid cast, crystal(eye), H:33.5cm
Colombo National Museum
2. Polonnaruva Period and Various Kingdoms (11th - 16th century)
Seated Siva and Seated Parvati   Seated Siva and Seated Parvati
Jetavana Vihara, Anuradhapura
Polonnaruva period, 11th century
Bronze, solid cast, H:43.0cm(Seated Siva), H:27.5cm(Seated Parvati)
Colombo National Museum
Seated Ganesa   Seated Ganesa
Polonnaruva
Polonnaruva period, 12th century
Stone, H:52cm
Colombo National Museum
Seated Kâraikkâr Ammaiyâr, Saiva Saint   Seated Karaikkar Ammaiyar, Saiva Saint
Siva Devale No.5, Polonnaruva
Polonnaruva period, 11th century
Bronze, H:28.4cm
Polonnaruva Museum
3. Kandy Period and After (16th - 20th century)
Standing Buddha   Standing Buddha
Kandy
Late Kandyan period, 18th - 19th century
Brass, H:24.0cm
Colombo National Museum
Comb   Comb
Kandy
Late Kandyan period, 18th century
Ivory, W:8.8cm, H:8.7cm
Colombo National Museum
Chunam Container   Chunam Container
Kandy
Late Kandyan period, 18th century
Gold and gems, L:30.6cm, W:6.3cm
Colombo National Museum
Exhibitions