KYUSHU NATIONAL MUSEUM

Special

Exhibition
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Regular

Exhibition

About..

Guide..

" The National Treasure ASHURA and Masterpieces from kohfukuji "

2009 July 14 Tue. to September 27 Sun.
Special Exhibition Gallery

First time in Kyushu
One of the most famous statues of God in Japan is Asura. This is the second time to leave Nara and very first time to be displayed in Kyushu. This classic masterpiece of beauty, Asura has small face and thin body, which also represents current handsome boy, and attracts lots of people not only statue of God fans.

Once-in-a-lifetime
In Kofuku Temple, along with the statue of Asura, there are well preserved 14 statues in total made by the technique, so called “Dakkatsukanshitsutsukuri”, which layered canvas. In this exhibition, 9of 14 will be displayed, and that would be the first and last opportunity during this century outside the Kofuku Temple.

No glass case
Usually 8 Gods statues including Asura and the statues of Buddha’s disciples are kept in a glass case in Kofuku Temple so that the back can’t be seen. However, in this exhibition, they will be put without glass case and anybody can enjoy 360-degree view (small statues are exceptional).

Virtual Reality, screen image showing
The statue of Asura will be introduced using the high quality of digital screen technology. It also shows the outline of renovated “Chukondo” hall in this early stage.

This exhibition is planned in the accordance with the reconstruction plan of “Chukondo” hall in Kofuku Temple. Among the precious cultural assets in Kofuku Temple, which aims to revive Tenpyo era, about 60 pieces of art work, such as statues of Gods, religious tools and the statue of Buddha will be exhibited.

It’s been around half of the century that the statue of Asura, one of the most popular statues in this country was moved to Tokyo and it’s very first time to come to Kyushu. In 736, Asura was made to mourn the mother of the Empress of Komei emperor. It has been safely stored after a lot of wars, fire and disaster. The mind of the ancient people is handed over to us.

We honorably welcome the visitors to enjoy this exclusively precious opportunity.

Outline

Date:	2009 July 14 Tue. to September 27 Sun.
Venue:	Kyushu National Museum, Exhibition Gallery,
	( 4-7-2 Ishizaka, Dazaifu, Fukuoka, 818-0118 )
Opening:	9:30 to 17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Closed:	Monday (However, the April 13 Open on May 4)
Total number of display:	About 60 cases
Admission fee:	Adult 1,300yen (1,100yen) University students 1,000yen (800yen) High school students 800yen (600yen) Junior high school students and under 600yen (400yen) ( ) is for advance tickets and group (more than 20 people) tickets Admission free for disability and 1 caretaker. Please bring the physical disability certificate. *( ) fee is also for over 65 years old. Please bring the identification with birth date such as health insurance card, driving license, and so on.