Theory of Art Creation 30 "The Appeal of Jotenkaku Museum"
When it comes to sightseeing in Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple are famous, but have you heard of the Jotenkaku Museum, which has a deep connection with these famous temples and houses many historically valuable art pieces? This time, we will introduce the charms of the Jotenkaku Museum, located in the grounds of Shokoku-ji Temple (official name: Mannenzan Shokoku Jotenzenji Temple), the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. This museum, which has a collection of five national treasures, 145 important cultural properties, and works by masters such as Ito Jakuchu, Maruyama Okyo, and Hasegawa Tohaku, is one of the spots you cannot miss when visiting Kyoto.
1. What is Jotenkaku Museum?
Opened as part of the 600th anniversary of the founding of Shokokuji Temple
Jotenkaku Museum of Art was opened in April 1984 (Showa 59) as part of the commemorative projects marking the 600th anniversary of the founding of Shokoku-ji Temple, the head temple of the Shokoku-ji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. It was established with the aim of gathering together the precious art treasures of Shokoku-ji Temple, Rokuon-ji Temple (Kinkaku-ji Temple), Jisho-ji Temple (Ginkaku-ji Temple), and other sub-temples, preserving, exhibiting, restoring, researching, and promoting Zen culture. The museum is an impressive collection of calligraphy, paintings, and tea ceremony utensils from the Middle Ages and early modern periods, and offers a deep insight into Kyoto's history and culture.
2. History and Background of Shokokuji Temple
A famous temple ranked second among the Kyoto Five Mountains
Shokoku-ji Temple (official name: Mannenzan Shokoku Joten Zenji Temple), where the Jotenkaku Museum is located, was founded in 1392 (Meitoku 3) by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. The temple was founded by the famous Zen monk Muso Soseki, and is so prestigious that it is ranked second among the Five Mountains of Kyoto.
Shokoku-ji Temple has a history of over 600 years since its founding, and has been burned down and rebuilt many times due to repeated fires and wars. During that time, it has produced many Zen monks and artist-monks, and is known as a leader in the world of Gozan literature and Japanese ink painting. Zekkai Nakatsu, Yokokawa Keizo, and in the world of painting, Josetsu, Shubun, and Sesshu were all deeply involved with Shokoku-ji Temple, and had a major impact on the history of Japanese art.
3. What to see at Jotenkaku Museum
First Exhibition Room: Reconstruction of the teahouse "Sekkatei" said to have been made by Kanamori Sowa
The biggest feature of the first exhibition room is the display of a restored teahouse called "Sekkatei" located within the grounds of Rokuon-ji Temple (Kinkaku-ji Temple). Sekkatei is a famous teahouse said to have been designed by Kanamori Sowa, a tea master from the early Edo period, and its design and architectural techniques allow visitors to experience the tea ceremony culture of the time. It is a truly valuable experience to be able to experience up close the aesthetic sense and Zen-like tranquility hidden within the limited space of a teahouse.
Second Exhibition Room: Part of Ito Jakuchu's "Rokuon-ji Temple Daishoin Screen Painting" has been relocated
In the second exhibition room, a part of the masterpiece of ink painting "Rokuon-ji Daishoin sliding screen painting" by Ito Jakuchu, who is famous as a painter of eccentricities, is on permanent display. The real pleasure of this museum is being able to appreciate Jakuchu's sliding screen paintings, designated as Important Cultural Properties, such as "Grapes and Small Birds" and "Basho in the Moonlight," in the quiet space of an ancient temple. You will be able to experience the true essence of Jakuchu's art, such as his bold brushwork and humorous motifs.
4. The diverse appeal of the collection
The Jotenkaku Museum of Art has a collection of works by Edo and early modern masters such as Ito Jakuchu, Maruyama Okyo, and Hasegawa Tohaku. It also has a large collection of masterpieces that tea ceremony enthusiasts will covet, including some of the "Higashiyama Imperial Treasures" that are said to have been collected by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, who established Higashiyama culture. Below, we will introduce some examples of national treasures and important cultural properties.
National Treasure
The original calligraphy of Mugakuso ``Yochorakuji Ichio's Verse''
Tenmoku tea bowl with scattered tortoiseshell flower design
Important Cultural Property
"The crane that crane roars" (Bunsho)
"Basho in the Moonlight" (Ito Jakuchu)
"Monkeys and Monkeys in a Bamboo Grove Screen" (Hasegawa Tohaku)
These are just a few of the many works on display, including Zen paintings, calligraphy, and colored paintings, so no matter how many times you visit, you'll always find something new.
5. Take a stroll around the grounds of Shokokuji Temple
Shokoku-ji's Hatto (lecture hall) was rebuilt in 1605 (Keicho 10) and is said to be the oldest and largest Zen Buddhist building built in the Momoyama period in Japan. It has also been designated an Important Cultural Property, and its imposing appearance is a masterpiece. When you visit the Jotenkaku Museum, be sure to also visit the Hatto (lecture hall) of Shokoku-ji and the sub-temples within the temple grounds. Shokoku-ji also has Rokuon-ji (Kinkaku-ji), Jisho-ji (Ginkaku-ji), and Shinnyoji as sub-temples outside the temple grounds. Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji are world-famous for their beautiful architecture and gardens, and artworks related to them are on display at the Jotenkaku Museum. Shokoku-ji has a different tranquility to the glamorous atmosphere of Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji, which attract many tourists, and you can enjoy the artworks in a calm environment.
6. Why is the Jotenkaku Museum worth visiting?
A treasure trove of national treasures and important cultural properties <br>The diverse collection, which includes five national treasures and 145 important cultural properties, is unparalleled. Art fans will find it extremely valuable to be able to experience up close the works of masters who have colored the history of Japanese art, such as Ito Jakuchu, Maruyama Okyo, and Hasegawa Tohaku. Shokoku-ji's lecture hall was rebuilt in 1605 and is said to be the oldest and largest example of Zen Buddhist architecture built during the Momoyama period in Japan. It has also been designated an important cultural property, and its majestic appearance is a masterpiece. When you visit Jotenkaku Museum, be sure to also take a tour of Shokoku-ji's lecture hall and the sub-temples on the grounds.
A precious space with a restored teahouse, "Sekkatei" <br>The first exhibition room is a fascinating reproduction of "Sekkatei," said to have been built by Kanamori Sowa. It is an important piece of architecture that conveys Kyoto's tea ceremony culture to the present day, and allows visitors to experience the history and elegance of the tea ceremony with all five senses.
Zen aesthetics supported by a historical background <br> Shokoku-ji Temple was founded by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, and has produced many Zen monks and cultural figures. Another attraction is that the temple's 600-year history can be fully felt through its calligraphy, sliding screen paintings, tea ceremony utensils, and more.
A tranquil space in the heart of Kyoto <br>The Jotenkaku Museum is located in the center of the city, close to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, but once you step into the grounds of Shokoku-ji Temple, you can experience a tranquil space far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Compared to the crowded Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji Temples, it is the perfect place for those who want to appreciate artworks in a calm atmosphere.
7. Access and Precautions
Access Shokoku-ji Temple is located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, north of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The nearest station is Imadegawa Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway, which is about a 10-minute walk away. If taking the bus, bus stops such as Doshisha-mae and Imadegawa-shinmachi are convenient. The temple grounds are spacious, so it is recommended to take your time and stroll around. The exhibits change regularly, so it's best to check the current exhibits on the official website or gather information in advance. The grounds of Shokoku-ji Temple are dotted with historic buildings and beautiful gardens, so touring them in addition to the art museum will provide an even deeper experience.
Summary: Experience the profound beauty of Kyoto at Jotenkaku Museum
The Jotenkaku Museum is a rare place where you can not only see national treasures and important cultural properties, but also experience the beauty and spiritual world of Japan from many different angles, such as the history of the Muromachi Shogunate, the spirit of Zen, and the culture of the tea ceremony. By viewing a wide variety of works up close, from the fantastical worldview of Ito Jakuchu to the majestic brushwork of Hasegawa Tohaku, you can fully enjoy the depth of the art that the city of Kyoto has nurtured. There are many art galleries and museums in Kyoto, but the Jotenkaku Museum has a unique charm from the perspective of "Zen" and "historical cultural properties." If you visit Kinkakuji Temple or Ginkakuji Temple, be sure to stop by the grounds of Shokokuji Temple. Why not immerse yourself in the many national treasures and important cultural properties in a quiet space away from the hustle and bustle and feel the essential charm of Kyoto? I'm sure it will lead you to a deeper experience of your Kyoto sightseeing. The Jotenkaku Museum is a museum we wholeheartedly recommend to those who want to enjoy art in Kyoto, those who want to experience the world of Zen, and those who want to spend some quiet time experiencing history.