all photos by Sayuki Inoue
Located in Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, the Shosoin is the Imperial treasure house associated with Todai-ji Temple. Constructed in the 8th century, it safeguards nearly 9,000 precious artifacts once belonging to Emperor Shomu, donated by his widow, Empress Komyo. In a new exhibition going on this summer at the Osaka Museum of History, several artists have been selected to reinterpret and create artworks based on the treasures.
replicas of the Shikkohei water vessel (left) and Shosoin (right)
Artist and designer Tomoe Shinohara (previously) chose Shikkohei (漆胡瓶), a centuries-old water vessel from the Shosoin repository as her muse. Drawing inspiration from the Persian-style ewer adorned with flora and fauna motifs, Shinohara used high-resolution 3D scans and meticulous handcraft to reimagine the vessel as a sculptural dress, incorporating over 400 hand-traced design elements. The result is a fashion piece that embodies not only technical artistry but the essence of time and cultural continuity.
Crafted in collaboration with Yokoh Abe (formerly of COMME des GARÇONS) with art direction by Tatsuki Ikezawa, the dress is part of THE SHOW – Sense the Miracle of Shosoin, an immersive exhibition blending art and technology. Though the Shosoin itself is not open to the public, the exhibition allows visitors to experience its treasures through 3D visualizations and contemporary reinterpretations like Shinohara’s.
Shosoin and the treasures it houses are closely guarded. Entry to the Shosoin is strictly prohibited and only a select few of the treasures go on display each year. While a large majority of the artifacts were made in Japan, the collection reflects a remarkable blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics, a testament to the cultural exchange along the Silk Road. From delicate textiles and musical instruments to ornate religious objects, the Shosoin offers a window into Japan’s Nara period and its cosmopolitan spirit.
This summer, immerse yourself in the THE SHOW, which runs in Osaka at the Osaka Museum of History until August 24. After that, it moves to Tokyo’s Ueno Royal Museum from September 20 to early November. More information: shosoin-the-show.jp
