A Visit to the Unkei Exhibition

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Thank you for reading.

The other day, I went to the "Unkei Exhibition" being held at the #TokyoNationalMuseum.
#Unkei was a "busshi" (Buddhist sculptor) who was active from the end of the #HeianPeriod to the #KamakuraPeriod.
He is a leading figure in Japanese Buddhist sculpture, having established a style characterized by powerful expressions and physiques, as well as realistic and imposing drapery (emon: patterns expressed through the folds of clothing).
(Please check the link below for details)

Unkei-related links

*Photography was prohibited at this exhibition.
Please check the link below for the 7 Buddhist statues that were on display.
Since I visited on a Sunday and because of Unkei's popularity, there was a long line at the entrance. I was able to view the exhibition room at a leisurely pace, but it was somewhat crowded and the room was like a "washing potatoes" situation (packed with people)💦
"Unkei is formidable!"

I will refrain from giving my impressions of the individual exhibits as I am not well-versed in historical matters.
The exhibits this time were 7 statues: the #FourHeavenlyKings ( #Zochoten #Komokuten #Tamonten #Jikokuten ), the #MaitreyaBodhisattvaSeatedStatue, the #AsangaBodhisattvaStandingStatue, and the #VasubandhuBodhisattvaStandingStatue.
In a word, they were all exquisitely crafted and"a masterpiece".
What surprised me while viewing was that, although I expected only Japanese people to be there for a Buddhist statue exhibition, English, Chinese, and other foreign languages were being spoken in the quiet room. It was impressive to see foreigners viewing them with such interest.

Finally, my thoughts after seeing this exhibition.
・Each Buddhist statue and book has a soul poured into it.
・I thought that Buddhist statues are profound.
・Even someone like me who isn't very knowledgeable about history was able to fully enjoy it.
・I also lack knowledge about paintings, but they were worth seeing.
It was an exhibition you rarely get to see, and I'm glad I came.
I was overwhelmed by the exhibits.
For those interested, it is worth a look. I highly recommend it.
*Links to the Tokyo National Museum and the special exhibition are provided below.

Links related to the Tokyo National Museum and the special exhibition
Tokyo National Museum - Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo National Museum - Exhibitions & Events Exhibitions Honkan (Japanese Gallery) Special Exhibition "Unkei: The Space of Prayer - Kofuku-ji Temple Hokuendo Hall"
Tokyo National Museum Public Relations Office (@TNM_PR) / X
Tokyo National Museum Public Relations Office (@tnm_pr) • Instagram photos and videos
Hokuendo Hall - Hosso Sect Head Temple Kofuku-ji
Special Exhibition "Unkei: The Space of Prayer - Kofuku-ji Temple Hokuendo Hall": Prayer to the Future ~Kofuku-ji Five-Story Pagoda Reiwa Great Repair~

Bonus
After the visit, I walked from #UenoPark, where the Tokyo National Museum is located, to #Okachimachi.
For lunch, I went to #FujiSoba, a soba noodle chain that doesn't have any locations in Shizuoka Prefecture where I live. This is a must.
(It is a favorite of #WAHAHAHonpo leader #NobuoOkubo [Non-sama])
Since it is categorized as a "station soba" shop, it doesn't have a stylish feel, and the prices aren't high, but the taste is delicious!!
Due to the founder's preference, the songs played in the shop are mostly Enka (lol)
Personally, it is a recommended chain.

#note #DailyNote #TokyoNationalMuseum #NationalTreasure #ImportantCulturalProperty #NaraCity #Kofukuji #HokuendoHall #TaitoWard #Tokyo

Please excuse my poor writing.
Thank you for reading to the end.

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