This special exhibition marks 700 years since the founding of Daitoku-ji, a temple in Kyoto’s Murasakino district. This is the first exhibition in Tokyo devoted to Daitoku-ji’s treasures, presenting works passed down through the temples of the Daitoku-ji school, developed over centuries in close connection with generations of eminent monks, emperors, warring-states-era warlords and tea masters since its founder, Shuho Myocho (also known as Daito Kokushi).
Notable works include the national treasure painting “Kannon, Monkeys and Cranes” and the important cultural property “Dragon and Tiger,” alongside Buddhist statues, calligraphy and tea utensils spanning a wide range of genres, offering a look into 700 years of history and beauty.
The exhibit includes a reconstructed display recreateing the interior of Daitoku-ji’s sanmon gate, which is normally closed to the public. The reconstructed sanmon display introduces a standing statue of Sen no Rikyu, shown publicly for the first time, revealing the deep ties between Daitoku-ji and the tea ceremony.
