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Elegant Partition Painting of Tree Peonies
Exhibition of Treasures in Daikakuji Temple, Kyoto22 March 2016 - Sightseeing/EventsDaikakuji Temple, the head temple of the Shingon Buddhism sect Daikakuji School, in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, is holding a special spring exhibition, "Kinsei Daikakuji no Meiho to Mikkyo Chokoku," or treasures and Vajrayana Buddhism sculptures of Daikakuji Temple in the early modern period. Visitors are attracted to many valuable temple treasures, including an Important Cultural Property, "Botan-zu" or tree peonies painted on the sliding partitions by Sanraku Kano, a painter in the Momoyama Period, and others.
As the 240 temple-owned partition paintings, which are Important Cultural Properties, will be repaired over 14 years starting from 2016, notable examples are being displayed in Reihoukan museum. Also shown are the statues of the Five Wisdom Kings which are Important Cultural Properties, and calligraphic writings by Emperor Gomizunoo, who laid the foundation for the early modern period of Daikakuji Temple, as well as others' writings..
The paintings of tree peonies decorate Botan-no-ma or tree peony room in Shinden Hall, which was used by Masako, a daughter of Hidetada Tokugawa who was married to Emperor Gomizunoo. The contrast between the large peony flowers and garden stones are depicted daringly, conveying the elegance of the consort's palace. The exhibition will last until May 16. There is an admission fee.
(translated by Galileo, Inc.)