Photo= To-ji Temple Homotsukan treasure house exhibiting "Zuzo" drawn to be models for Buddhist statues (To-ji Temple, Minami Ward, Kyoto)

A special autumn exhibition titled "To-ji no Mikkyo Zuzo," with paintings and pictorial diagrams of Esoteric Buddhism being shown, began September 20 at the Homotsukan treasure house in To-ji Temple, also known as Kyo-o-gokokuji Temple, in Minami Ward, Kyoto. About 60 items are on display, including "Hakubyo-ga," or monochrome line drawings that are at the base of Esoteric Buddhism paintings, and which came from China in the Heian Period.

The picture "Mikkyo Zuzo" is a model for learning and drawing the various postures and possessions of Buddhist statues precisely. It is said that the original was brought from China by Kukai, founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, and passed down by transcribing it thereafter.

"Kara-zu," a diagram depicting the Esoteric Buddhist horoscope, "Dai-gensui Myo-o-zo," an image of Myo-o trampling evil spirits under its foot, and "Ninnokyo-goho-shoson-zu," a very detailed drawing of Buddhist saints including their "Ten-e," or heavenly garments, and even head hair, on an approximately 1.5-meter-high hanging scroll, are among the many items which are shown to the public for the first time in 7 years.

"Soshitsuji-giki-geiin-zu" is one of two originals brought from China that are still extant in Japan. It illustrates the symbolic positioning of the hands and fingers to represent the enlightenment and power of the Buddhist saints.

The special exhibition will continue until November 25. Some parts of the exhibition will be changed on October 25. There is an admission fee.