This exhibition explores the stories hidden within beautiful Buddhist scriptures and images with our museum visitors. The divine baby Buddha, the sagely layman Vimalakirti (J., Yuima Koji), and the elegant smiling Avalokitesvara (Ch., Guanyin; J., Kannon) have all captured the hearts of people over the centuries.

    Of these figures, let us first look at the graceful image of Wish Fulfilling Avalokitesvara (J., Nyoirin Kannon), who is said to save those in the heavenly realm. Here, he smiles tranquilly and appears in gentle hues of red, white, green, and peach. His round face, soft arms, slender waist, and supple limbs are requisites for such a striking form. Above all, his quiet gaze that penetrates the hearts of people is like a warm light entering our bosoms.

    This painting of Avalokitesvara came from a temple in Shiga. Several years ago, the temple was in need of rebuilding. The members were making a fire to burn items to be discarded as they were cleaning, when one of the members brought out a box from inside the temple. Something was wrapped in newspaper within the box. They all wondered what it could be, so they unrolled the newspaper to find this amazing painting, which they had never seen before. Realizing that the work was of value, the members along with the resident priest went to the Board of Education, which immediately designated it a Cultural Property of Shiga Prefecture. After its restoration, the image was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This Avalokitesvara must have appeared at this time, because he wanted to encounter a certain person.