Special Exhibition of Shinnyodo Temple Treasures Opens at Ryukoku Museum in Kyoto
The first-ever special exhibition dedicated to Kyoto’s ancient Shinnyodo Temple, titled “Masterpieces of Kyoto’s Shinnyodo,” has opened at the Ryukoku Museum. Running until June 14, 2026, the exhibit features approximately 100 artifacts, including the National Treasure “Lotus Sutra” transcribed by renowned sculptor Unkei and the Muromachi-period “Shinnyodo Engi.” Although the temple’s principal image, the “Nodding Amida,” is not displayed, visitors can view significant Kamakura and Edo period statues of Amida Buddha, such as one crafted by the In school and another used for historical fundraising. The collection also highlights Shinnyodo’s historical connection to the wealthy Mitsui merchant clan, showcasing portraits of Ashikaga Yoshihisa and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, along with Kanō Sansetsu’s “Kanzan and Jittoku.” Founded in 984, Shinnyodo served as a center for Nembutsu devotion and later as the Mitsui family temple. This exhibition aims to deepen public understanding of the temple’s cultural and religious heritage. Following the Kyoto display, a related exhibition is scheduled for the Mitsui Memorial Museum in Tokyo from July to August.
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Special Exhibition of Shinnyodo Temple Treasures Opens at Ryukoku Museum in Kyoto
The first-ever special exhibition dedicated to Kyoto’s ancient Shinnyodo Temple, titled “Masterpieces of Kyoto’s Shinnyodo,” has opened at the Ryukoku Museum. Running until June 14, 2026, the exhibit features approximately 100 artifacts, including the National Treasure “Lotus Sutra” transcribed by renowned sculptor Unkei and the Muromachi-period “Shinnyodo Engi.” Although the temple’s principal image, the “Nodding Amida,” is not displayed, visitors can view significant Kamakura and Edo period statues of Amida Buddha, such as one crafted by the In school and another used for historical fundraising. The collection also highlights Shinnyodo’s historical connection to the wealthy Mitsui merchant clan, showcasing portraits of Ashikaga Yoshihisa and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, along with Kanō Sansetsu’s “Kanzan and Jittoku.” Founded in 984, Shinnyodo served as a center for Nembutsu devotion and later as the Mitsui family temple. This exhibition aims to deepen public understanding of the temple’s cultural and religious heritage. Following the Kyoto display, a related exhibition is scheduled for the Mitsui Memorial Museum in Tokyo from July to August.
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