Photo/Illutration "Reminiscence of the Tempyo Era" by Takeji Fujishima shows reverence for ancient times. (Shunsuke Nakamura)

OSAKA--A special exhibition is running at the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts in the city's Tennoji Ward that features Tempyo art masterpieces and other artworks inspired by the style’s brilliance.

"In Praise of Tempyo," an exhibition hosted by The Asahi Shimbun and other sponsors, runs until Dec. 13.

The Tempyo culture, characterized by its cosmopolitan openness, flourished in the Nara Period (710-784). Its distinctive aesthetics and tenets influenced artworks of later generations.

"We'd like visitors to feel the rich history and culture and see how the masterpieces of Tempyo art have always been praised," curator Daisuke Kojima said.

The exhibition traces its artistic journey across 1,300 years and showcases about 120 artifacts, ranging from dyed fabrics and Buddhist art pieces stored at the Shosoin Repository to modern paintings inspired by the ancient art. The 120 include five national treasures and 23 important cultural properties.

The statues of Bodhisattva and Amida Nyorai, both posed sitting and believed to have been formerly placed side by side, portray prayer from the eighth century. The exquisite designs of Shosoin's "gire" textiles are meanwhile filled with remnants of life in the imperial court.

The statue of Shukongojin by Kaikei, a master Buddhist sculptor active in the Kamakura Period (1185-1333), and paintings drawn by Takeji Fujishima and other artists from the Meiji Era (1868-1912) are full of admiration for Tempyo culture.

The venue is closed on Mondays, except for Nov. 23, although it will be closed the following day, Nov. 24. Admission is 1,500 yen ($14.30) for adults and 1,200 yen for college and senior high school students.

For more information, visit the official website (https://www.osaka-art-museum.jp/en/).

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