Eleven-headed Kannon statue of Shorinji temple on display in Tokyo for 1st time

The Statue of Eleven-Headed Kannon from Shorinji temple in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, has gone on display in Tokyo, the first time this national treasure has ever been exhibited in the capital.

Dating from the eighth century, the statue is part of “Sacred Treasures from Ancient Nara: The Eleven-Headed Kannon of Shorinji Temple,” which opened Tuesday at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park.

The statue is more than 2 meters tall and is notable for its solemn gaze and balanced structure. It is being shown inside a glass case at the center of the exhibition space, allowing visitors to observe the statue from many different angles.

The exhibition is organized by The Yomiuri Shimbun and others, and will run through Sept. 12 before moving to the Nara National Museum from Feb. 5 to March 27 next year. Advance reservations are required, with tickets allowing admission on a specified date and time.

(From the June 23, 2021, issue of The Japan News)

For more info:

• Sacred Treasures from Ancient Nara:
  The Eleven-Headed Kannon of Shōrinji Temple