The Shrines and Temples of Nikko, a World Heritage Site. This world-class cultural heritage site of Japan has 9 national treasures and 94 Important Cultural Properties at its core. The buildings and structures in Nikko are said to be works of art created by some of Japan’s most gifted artists of the 17th century, created with the highest level of architectural techniques of the time.
In particular, many are drawn to the overwhelmingly gorgeous architectural design of Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Nikkosan Rinnoji Taiyuin Temple. These architectural works of art still hold onto their splendor to this day. This was made possible through the power of the master craftsmen, who have not only continued to preserve and repair the structures using traditional skills and techniques, but also reliably passed along their knowledge from one generation to the next. As of December 2020, traditional skills, techniques and knowledge for the conservation and transmission of wooden architecture in Japan, was officially inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In this exhibition, we explore the mystery of its beauty by focusing on one aspect of these traditional skills and techniques. The colors used on the Nikko shrines and temples and the decorative techniques of “coloring” and “metalwork” highlight its unparalleled luxury and glitter. Please enjoy this chance to view a world often only seen from the distance up close and personal – a world of glittering architectural designs and traditional techniques.
1
Urushi Lacquer Painting
and Coloring in Nikko
Since its construction, Nikko Toshogu Shrine has been regularly repainted, and the traditional techniques of lacquering and coloring have been handed down along with the beauty of the shrine’s buildings. This exhibition reveals the secrets of the beauty behind Nikko’s buildings through displays of architectural components undergoing repairs, samples of te-ita boards, materials and tools used for lacquering and coloring, painted illustrations, and much more.
2
Joboji Urushi Lacquer Tapping
All lacquer used in the repair of Nikko's shrines and temples is produced in the forests of Joboji in Ninohe City, Iwate Prefecture. Viewers can learn how the lacquer forest is protected and how the lacquer is collected at Joboji through the tools and videos on display.
3
Traditional Gold Leaf
Manufacturing
Layers upon layers of gold leaf is used in the dazzling golden architecture of Nikko. Currently, the production of “entsuke gold leaf,” which is indispensable to the preservation of Nikko’s buildings, is only carried out in Kanagawa. Visitors can view the process through tools and video footage that show how the gold alloy material is beaten into 1/1,000 mm “zumi” and then into 1/10,000 mm “haku,” or gold leaf.
4
Decorative Metalworks
at Nikko
Nikko’s architecture is covered from the roof to the floor with an overwhelming number of decorative metalworks. Each of the metal fixtures is engraved with various flowers, birds, and geometric patterns. This exhibition has several reproductions on display that were made by Nikko's metalwork repair craftsmen using the same techniques as the originals, along with the tools used, videos, and detailed explanations of the production process.
5
Kumimono model of
Toshogu Shrine,
Yomeimon Gate
Toshogu Shrine’s Yomeimon Gate is the most famous architectural structure in Nikko. A full scale model of the upper framework, which can usually only be seen from a distance, has been specially created for this exhibition. Visitors will be able to see up-close the black lacquerwork with gold-inlay engravings, dragon and iki/soku carvings painted using the ike-zaishiki technique, decorative metalworks, and other top-class architectural decorations.
6
Learn more through the latest VR video
The video “Yomeimon Gate (designated as a National Treasure) at Nikko Toshogu Shrine” can be viewed at the exhibit. Produced using the latest VR technology, this video was based on the knowledge of the Heisei repair of Toshogu Shrine's Yomeimon Gate. While the shape and coloring of the sculptures are usually difficult to see up close due to their elevated location, this high-definition video allows visitors to see them in great detail.
