Jingoji: Kūkai to Shingon Mikkyō no hajimari : sōken 1200-nen kinen tokubetsuten = Jingoji : the dawn of Shingon Buddhism : special exhibition commemorating the 1,200th anniversary of Jingoji Temple's founding

Abstract

"Perched atop Mount Takao just northwest of Kyoto, Jingoji Temple has long been known for its brilliant autumn colors. The year 2024 marks the 1,200th anniversary of Jingoji's founding, when the temples of Takaosanji and Jinganji merged in 824. It is also the 1,250th anniversary of the birth of the eminent monk Kūkai (774-835). Kükai famously traveled to China's Tang dynasty (618-907), where he studied a systematized form of esoteric Buddhism in the Tang capital Chang'an. After returning to Japan, he based himself at Takaosanji while establishing the esoteric Shingon school. This exhibition commemorates these momentous anniversaries by presenting treasures from Jingoji Temple alongside related works. The objects on view are significant not only for their value as Buddhist art but as some of the finest masterpieces in Japanese history. The principal image of worship at Jingoji is a renowned statue of the Buddha Yakushi that has been designated a National Treasure. In a historic first, the statue is being shown outside temple grounds during this exhibition. Another National Treasure on view is the Takao Mandala, the oldest extant version of the Mandala of the Two Realms, which is being unveiled after its first conservation treatment in nearly 230 years. Other highlights include all five of the statues that comprise The Five Great Manifestations of the Bodhisattva Kokūzō, a work entitled Landscape that is the oldest folding screen painted in the classical yamato-e style, and a National Treasure and masterwork of Japanese portraiture depicting the first ruling shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147-1199)"-- Page [i].