Japanese Buddhist Art from the Lake Biwa District 

Aspiring for Rebirth in the Buddhist Paradise

ㅇ Dates: Dec. 20, 2011 (Tue) – Feb. 19, 2012 (Sun)

ㅇ Venue: National Museum of Korea, Special Exhibition Gallery, 1F

ㅇ Exhibits: 59 Japanese Buddhist art items (94 articles), including four Japanese National Treasure-designated items and 31 Important Cultural Property-designated items

Lake Biwako is the largest freshwater lake in Japan, extending 673.9㎢ in total area, located in Shiga Prefecture, and borders the ancient capital city of Kyoto. The surrounding area is rugged with mountains enveloping the lake from all sides. This unique natural environment, coupled with its location in close proximity to Kyoto, the imperial capital, made the Lake Biwako area one of the most culturally exciting places in Japan, with local flavors subtly blending with the mainstream culture of the capital.

Buddhism was brought from Baekje to this area earlier than elsewhere in Japan and flourished there. The temple where Tiantai Buddhism was founded and famous Buddhist retreats nestle in mountains and hills surrounding Lake Biwako, and these places abound in Buddhist sculptures and paintings.

This exhibition showcases Buddhist art items in the collection, or in the custody, of the Shiga Prefectural Lake Biwako Museum in Otsu, along with items in the collections of the Nara and Kyoto National Museums and those housed in temples in Shiga Prefecture. The items on display, 59 items (94 articles), although modest in number, include four National Treasure-designated items and 31 Important Cultural Property-designated items.

This exhibition promises to be an excellent opportunity to discover the unusual beauty of Japanese Buddhist art from Shiga. 

Click here for the exhibition details!