Futama Kannon, repaired under the TSUMUGU project, showcased at Toji

The Futama Kannon (Wooden statues of standing Kannon Bosatsu, Bonten and Taishakuten), is currently on display at the Toji-temple Homotsukan (Treasure house) in Kyoto.

The government-designated important cultural property was recently repaired under the auspices of the Tsumugu Project — jointly initiated by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Imperial Household Agency and The Yomiuri Shimbun (Tokyo) — and has been put on public display for the first time in 25 years.

The exhibition is held in conjunction with Nihonhaku (Japan Cultural Expo) and will last until May 25.

The Futama Kannon triad — the height of the three statues ranging from 21.7 centimeters to 24.9 centimeters — was made of sandalwood during the Kamakura period. It is said to have been the principle object of worship at buddhist memorials held inside the imperial palace. It came to be known as the Futama Kannon since it was kept in the futama room of the palace. The statues were transferred to Toji temple during the Muromachi period.

The Futama Kannon was one of the eight national treasures and important cultural properties selected for repair last year by the Tsumugu Project. The triad was kept at the Kyoto National Museum’s Conservation Center from May to December to glue back on the kirikane pattern peeling off from its surface and for other repair work.

Yasuko Niimi, who is in charge of protection of cultural properties at Toji temple, says, “The statues are almost as brilliant as when they were first produced. I hope you can come and see the delicate patterns up close.”