Exhibition ‘Eisai to Chūsei Hakata ten’ Opened

On September 11, the exhibition titled ‘Eisai to Chūsei Hakata ten’ opened at the Fukuoka City Museum (until October 31). It featured the life of Eisai (1141 – 1215) and medieval Hakata, which flourished as a hub for international exchange, through 152 works and materials, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Eisai who twice travelled to Song China in 1168 and 1186 and established Japan’s first Zen Buddhist temple, Shōfukuji, in Hakata. The exhibition consisted of two parts: Part One ‘Eisai no sokuseki (The Footsteps of Eisai)’, explored Eisai from perspectives of his appearance, faith, tea appreciation, and skill in establishing sub-temples; and Part Two ‘Shōfukuji no sōken to chūsei Hakata no hanei (The Founding of Shōfukuji temple and the Prosperity of Medieval Hakata)’, highlighted medieval Hakata as an international city of life through archaeological and historical materials, and imported artworks brought by ship at the time. Reflecting recent research findings on newly discovered historical materials related to Eisai, the exhibition offered a rich and comprehensive display. (Japanese)