Photo= A portion of the displayed "Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans," a national treasure (Kyoto National Museum, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto)

Kyoto National Museum in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, opened a special exhibition, "Masterpieces of Kosan-ji Temple" on October 7. A complete set of the picture scrolls vividly depicting humorous animals is being publicly presented for the first time in 33 years.

A press preview was held on October 6. The "Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans," a national treasure, are a set of four picture scrolls in the collection of Kosan-ji Temple in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto. They were produced during the late Heian Period through the Kamakura Period. With a unique design of personified animals, they are also called, "Japan's oldest cartoons." Commemorating the completion of their restoration, the complete set will be exhibited in the first and second sessions of the exhibition.

"Ko-no-maki," or the first volume, dynamically describes rabbits, monkeys, frogs and others enjoying water play and target-shooting. The exhibits include many cultural assets and treasures related to the temple, such as a portrait of Myoe, to whom land was granted to build the temple estate.

The first and second sessions will be from October 7 to November 3 and from November 5 to November 24, respectively. The museum will be observe its regular closed days. There is an admission fee.