THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
July 6, 2020 at 07:00 JST
The "Asuka Beauties" depicted on a wall of the Takamatsuzuka burial mound (Provided by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
ASUKA, Nara Prefecture--Ancient murals depicted in a burial mound featuring the famed "Asuka Beauties" will go on display for the first time after a 13-year restoration work was completed in March.
The public viewing will be held at a temporary restoration facility here from July 18 to 24. The event, initially planned for May, was postponed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The murals, designated as national treasures, adorn the walls of the Takamatsuzuka burial mound, a government-designated special historic site that was believed to have been constructed between the late seventh century and the early eighth century.
In addition to the Asuka Beauties, a group of women in colorful attire depicted on the west wall, visitors can view similar images of women on the east wall as well as the "Seiryu," or Blue Dragon of the East, and the "Genbu," or Black Turtle of the North.
Registrations are now closed.
National treasure murals depicted on the walls of the stone chamber of the nearby Kitora Tomb, including the "Suzaku," or the Vermillion Bird of the South, will also be displayed at the Kitora Tumulus Mural Experiential Museum Shijin-no-yakata here between July 18 and Aug. 16.
The Kitora Tomb, another government-designated special historic site, was constructed between the late seventh century and the early eighth century.
The deadline has also passed for registrations for this event.
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