Gods, spirits and demons

Living with Nature

The island nation of Japan stretches north-south of the Asian monsoon zone. The rhythm of the seasons as well as the mild climate favor agriculture, provide a diverse vegetation. The counterpart is formed by natural disasters such as typhoons, tidal waves, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes. This continuous change shaped the worldview of Japan's original religion, the Shintō: the fate of human beings is left to the will of the gods - nature worship, the performance of regular rites and annual festivals are intended to ensure peaceful coexistence with them.

"For me, two sculptures - Raijin, the thunder god, as well as Karura, a bird-like creature from Hindu mythology - are particularly interesting. They are replicas of an important national treasure from the 13th century. The originals are in the Sanjūsangendō temple in Kyoto. In 1871, the Japanese government commissioned famous sculptors to make lifelike copies. What is not possible at the original site in the rather dark temple, succeeds in the museum: The visitor gets the wonderful chance to get very close to the extraordinary objects," says curator Dr. Bas Verberk.

Individual Yearning

In the 8th century, with the emergence of a centralized state and aristocratic society, the idea that gods inhabit nature changes to a lyrical contemplation - the individual longing for an idealized nature finds expression in poetry as well as painting. In parallel, Buddhism spread, contrasting nature with suffering life. Shintō and Zen Buddhism are still the two main religions of Japan today.

Spirits of the Dead and Yokai

Spirits that can enjoy high veneration play a very special role. These include the spirits of the dead, who reside in a world between this world and the next, or the Yōkai: creatures with magical powers. Especially fox, tanuki, cat, snake are considered transformation artists.

"All the objects on display are part of the collection, were stabilized, cleaned and, if necessary, restored before the exhibition," says Anna Hillcoat-Imanishi. "I think it's fantastic that we're showing the spirit representations. They are exciting, often multi-layered stories hidden within each work." The conservator is particularly intrigued by one of three handscrolls, a copy from the 17th or 18th century. "The poetry contest of the animals - a famous Japanese fable."