［Special Exhibition I］
Crafts and Art
– Pray for Nature of the Sacred Forest –
Takano Shrine
When we visited Takano Shrine for the first time, we were overwhelmed by the presence of its approach, its serene atmosphere. It is a place where one can feel the sound of the wind and the breeze. We felt as if we could focus our awareness on the natural breath of the wind. The imposing shrine building stood before us, the sacred shrine area loomed behind it. Passing through the gate we felt as if our body was enveloped by the sky and the forest.
In a place like this, we want to pray softly. We would like to dedicate the exhibition and the gagaku performance by offering a prayer to the overwhelming presence, giving thanks for the blessings of nature, while recalling the burial items that were once made in this region when mourning the dead, and leaning close to the feelings of that time.
This special outdoor exhibition will be open to the public for a month. We hope that each visitor will feel the wind of happiness and connect with higher spirits that embody nature.
《OUTLINE》
■Open: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed every Wednesday)
■Venue: Takano Shrine (249 Taiza, Tangocho, Kyotango, Kyoto), Keidai (shrine compound) / Shiniki (sacred forest)
■Creators: Shuji Nakagawa, Akio Niisato, Satoshi Sato, Yoshihiro Suda, Samson Young
■Sacred Forest Tour: ¥1,500
■Parking: Please be sure to use the parking lot of the Tango Ancient Village Museum.
Visitors using the parking lot are required to enter the museum (¥300 yen admission).
Sacred Forest
Pray for Nature of the Sacred Forest
Takano Shrine is a historic shrine said to have been founded by Empress Takanohime, in honor of Goddess Amaterasu, when she returned to her hometown Takano in her later years. The shrine has a 2,000 year history and is believed to have held considerable authority in the Kinki region in ancient times.
We will hold an outdoor exhibition of prayer halls, ritual yashiro, and sculptures inspired by the word “pray," the root of art. The outdoor exhibition is open to the public for free, and guided tours of the sacred forest behind the main shrine, which is normally closed to the public, will be offered only during this project (reservation required).