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Feature Exhibition

Gigaku Masks from Tōdaiji Temple by Kasuga no Hitomaro and Kieishi

Nara-period (710–784) masks worn in performances of gigaku, mimed skits introduced into Japan from China in the seventh and eighth centuries, have been preserved in nearly perfect condition at Tōdaiji (30 masks) and in the Shōsō-in Repository (171 masks). Originally all were stored at Tōdaiji, many of them having been used in the Consecration of the Great Buddha or “Eye-Opening Ceremony” (daibutsu kaigen e) on the ninth day of the fourth month of Tenpyō Shōhō 4 (752). As artifacts, these gigaku masks are on par with the set of seventh-century gigaku masks passed down in Hōryūji and now in the Tokyo National Museum. Since the Heian period (794–1184), gigaku gradually ceased to be performed, resulting in the particulars of this artform becoming obscure. These mask sets, therefore, serve as important objects that allow us to envision the true nature of this performing art.

From among the gigaku masks originally owned by Tōdaiji, including a few now in private collections, this exhibition presents three gigaku masks by Kasuga no Hitomaro, a carver newly identified through recent research. The gigaku masks Suiko-ō and Suikojū by the carver Kieishi, one of the artisans who produced masks for the Consecration of the Great Buddha, will be exhibited in the same hall and will showcase the fascination of these uniquely individualistic masks imbued with foreign elements.

Dates

Tuesday, October 1st to Sunday, December 22nd, 2024

The museum is closed on Mondays, and on Tuesdays, October 15th and November 12th, but open every day for the entire run of the Shōsō-in exhibition (Saturday, October 26th to Monday, November 11th), as well as Monday, October 14th.

Venue

Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall

Hours

9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

During the Shōsō-in exhibition (Saturday, October 26th to Monday, November 11th), 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Mondays to Thursdays, and 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays.
Until 7:00 P.M. on every Saturdays in October and November, and on Tuesday, December 17th.

Admission

General	700 yen
University Students	350 yen

Free of charge entry to disabled certificate holders and an accompanying caretaker (upon presenting the certificate).
High School Students and below; those under the age of 18; those 70 and above: free
For those bringing along with them a guest who is a high school student or under and/or under the age of 18, please enjoy a 100 yen discount on admission. Likewise, those bringing along a university student can enjoy a 50 yen discount.
Admission includes entry to the Exhibitions from the Permanent Collection “Masterpieces of Buddhist Sculpture” and “Chinese Ancient Ritual Bronzes.”
The 76th Annual Exhibition of Shōsō-in Treasures requires separate admission.

Exhibits

Number of exhibition items: Nine items (including seven Important Cultural Properties).

1		Gigaku Mask of Taikofu (Old Man) By Kasuga no Hitomaro	Private Collection
2	Important Cultural Property	Gigaku Mask of Karura (Garuda) By Kasuga no Hitomaro	Tōdaiji, Nara
3	Important Cultural Property	Gigaku Mask of Konron (Lecher) By Kasuga no Hitomaro	Tōdaiji, Nara
4	Important Cultural Property	Gigaku Mask of Suiko-ō (Drunken King) By Kieishi	Tōdaiji, Nara
5		Gigaku Mask of Suikojū (Drunken Retainer) By Kieishi	Private Collection
6	Important Cultural Property	Gigaku Mask of Suikojū (Drunken Retainer)	Agency for Cultural Affairs　　　　※1
7	Important Cultural Property	Gigaku Mask of Suikojū (Drunken Retainer)	Tōdaiji, Nara
8	Important Cultural Property	Gigaku Mask of Suikojū (Drunken Retainer)	Tōdaiji, Nara
9	Important Cultural Property	Gigaku Mask of Suikojū (Drunken Retainer)	Tōdaiji, Nara※2