Buddhist Art from Tokoin Temple

Located in the Yoshizuka district of Hakata Ward, Tokoin Temple is a Buddhist temple having a long history. Its main object of worship Standing Bhaisayaguru (Important Cultural Property) is believed to heal a range of illness, particularly an eye disease, and has been worshipped from ancient times. Along with this statue, Tokoin Temple inherits a number of wooden sculptures, many of which are designated as Important Cultural Property.

              This exhibition invites viewers to see these statues in the gallery modelled on an old temple and to feel the prayers of local residents in the olden days. (Some pieces are rotated during the exhibition.)

Image: Tokoin Temple Buddhist Art Gallery

Exceptional Antique Pottery: Utsutsugawa Ware from the Tanakamaru Collection and Others

Standing out for its splendid design and originality, Utsutsugawa ware was produced briefly from the end of the 17th century to the early 18th century in what is now Utsutsugawa Town, Nagasaki Prefecture. In addition to the museum’s collection, this exhibition includes excellent pieces from the Tanakamaru Collection and brings together about thirty works of Utsutsugawa ware.

Image: Dish with fluted edge and gingko leaf design, Utsutsugawa ware, Edo period, 17th-18th century, Tanakamaru Collection

Exhibition of Sengai’s Artworks

A Zen monk in the Edo period, Sengai Gibon served as chief priest at Shofuku-ji Temple in the Hakata area of Fukuoka City. Fondly called as “Sengai-san of Hakata,” he gained much popularity for his approachable artworks. Some of his much-loved works are displayed in this exhibition.

Image: Sengai Gibon, Dog, Edo period, 19th century

Exchanges beyond the Sea: Calligraphy and Others

Since ancient times, a number of Zen priests have traveled between Japan and China over the sea. Their calligraphic work is called Bokuseki, which is particularly highly regarded in the world of tea ceremony. This exhibition introduces Bokuseki and other works which illustrate exchanges between Japan and China.

Image: Qingzhuo Zhengcheng, Chinese verse presented to the monk Genchu, Important Cultural Property, Kamakura period, dated 1326