Ancient murals of Horyuji temple move closer to public display

The Buddhist Channel, 23 March, 2023

Nara, Japan -- Japan's oldest Buddhist paintings are making progress towards their first public display after being severely damaged in a fire at Horyuji temple in 1949. However, it may still be several years before the public can view these renowned artworks, often referred to as the "crown jewels of the art."

<< The mural of the Pure Land of Shakyamuni Buddha, which was damaged in a 1949 fire at Horyuji Temple’s Kondo main hall. (Courtesy: Nara National Museum)

Created between the late seventh century and early eighth century, the 12 intricate murals adorn the inner walls of the temple's Golden Hall. They depict significant figures such as Shaka Nyorai (the historical Buddha) and Yakushi Nyorai (the Buddha of healing and medicine).

Four of the murals measure approximately 3 meters by 2.6 meters, while the remaining eight are about 3 meters by 1.5 meters.

Since the fire, the murals have been safely stored at the temple's treasure house, which was completed in 1952 on the temple grounds.

As a general rule, they have not been accessible to the public. However, being a designated World Heritage site, Horyuji temple has been actively seeking ways to exhibit these valuable artworks on a regular basis.

In 2015, the temple collaborated with the Cultural Affairs Agency and The Asahi Shimbun to establish a committee responsible for the preservation and utilization of the murals. Chaired by Yoshitaka Ariga, a visiting professor of Japanese art at Tokyo University of the Arts, the committee concluded on March 18 that the murals no longer required immediate restoration work.

The committee put forth recommendations to enable public display of the artworks, which included the creation of a manual for their management and the implementation of an airlock facility to minimize potential damage. The panel members highlighted the significance of the storage house as a symbol of Japan's commitment to safeguarding cultural treasures from disasters.

In terms of exhibition policy, the committee suggested that the treasure house incorporate a facility that would allow easy control of ventilation and air conditioning without significantly altering the building's appearance or internal functions.

Shokaku Furuya, the head priest of the temple, expressed his satisfaction with the committee's conclusion, acknowledging that it will still be a considerable number of years before the murals can be showcased to the public. He emphasized the importance of informing the public that these precious paintings, despite their damage, remain safeguarded at their temple.