Prince Shotoku (574-622) has been well known as one of the most clever politicians and intellectuals in Japan, and still now lots of Japanese respect him.
Prince Shotoku had a deep faith in Buddhism and contributed to Japanese culture and society, and he established a social system with a “Seventeen Article Constitution” for Japan.
HORYUJI temple is said to be founded in 607 by Empress Suiko and Prince Shotoku in Nara. And HORYUJI keeps a lot of the cultural treasures passed down from Prince Shotoku’s era.
The year 2021 marks the 1,400th anniversary of the passing of Prince Shotoku, so this exhibition is held to commemorate it.
In this exhibition, there are precious hand-writing papers between the 6th and 13th centuries regarding Prince Shotoku, various Buddhism statues, and part of Buddhism architectures or tools for religious ceremonies.
I was so impressed by the Buddhism statues with their beauty, elegance, and mysterious atmosphere. The Buddha’s facial expressions are slightly smiling, calm, and very thoughtful.
Moreover, some of these statues are stylish and cool modern with their sophisticated hairstyle, and finely crafted accessories, and fluttering robes. They should give some inspiration to the fashion and design industries.
And we can learn how ancient Japanese culture has been influenced by Oriental countries as Persia, Ind, and China. Of course, Buddhism was also imported through China from India.
Please check this exhibition and get some hints about Japanese essential culture. For more than 1000years ago, it has had a sense of delicate, moderate, and grace.
Exhibition site: https://www.tnm.jp/modules/r_free_page/index.php?id=2097&lang=en
