TOKYO (The Japan News/ANN) - National treasures associated with Kyoto and treasures of the Imperial family that are closely related to Kyoto will be featured in a special exhibition held from April 28 to June 21 at Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art in Kyoto. 

A special exhibition featuring national treasures associated with Kyoto and treasures of the Imperial family that are closely related to Kyoto will be held from April 28 to June 21 at Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art in Kyoto. Ahead of the exhibition, named “Kyoto National Treasure: To Protect and Convey Japanese Treasure,” a press conference was held at the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry in Tokyo on Wednesday.

 Organized by the Cultural Affairs Agency, the Japan Arts Council, The Yomiuri Shimbun and other entities, the special exhibition is part of the Tsumugu Project, a public-private initiative led by the Cultural Affairs Agency, the Imperial Household Agency and The Yomiuri Shimbun. It has also been selected as one of the programs for the government-hosted Japan Cultural Expo (Nihonhaku).

 Thirty-seven national treasures will be displayed as part of a total of 43 works including paintings, sculptures, handicrafts and calligraphy.

 One of the highlights of the exhibition will be Mokuzo Bonten Zazo (Seated Statue of Bon-ten [Brahma]), designated as a national treasure and owned by Toji temple in Kyoto. The temple is associated with the Buddhist monk Kukai. Taihi Tenmoku Chawan (Tenmoku Tea Bowl with Tortoise Shell Pattern), a national treasure owned by Shokokuji temple in Kyoto, will also be a must-see.

 The Kasuga Gongen Genki-e (Legends of Kasuga Shrine), a set of illustrated scrolls on silk that was repaired with silk made from silkworms raised by the Empress Emerita and is stored in Sannomaru Shozokan (The Museum of the Imperial Collections), will also be on view.

 The exhibition will include videos explaining how repair materials are procured and techniques for repairing works, and replicas will be displayed, aiming to promote the importance of protecting cultural property.

 “In Kyoto, which has nurtured culture through exposure to the beauty of nature, we hope people from all over the world will learn about the treasures of Japanese culture,” Ryohei Miyata, the commissioner for cultural affairs, said at the press conference.