Master of Craft: Living National Treasure Kitamura Shosai — Treasures of Maki-e and Raden Lacquer Arts and Kasuga Taisha

Kasugataisha Museum · Nara · –

Key facts

Dates
Oct 3 to Dec 13, 2026 (First period: Oct 3–Nov 9; Second period: Nov 11–Dec 13)
Venue
Kasugataisha Museum · Nara Park · Nara · 160 Kasugano-chō, Nara 630-8212 (Kasuga Taisha)
Opening hours
10:00–17:00
Closed
Tuesday, Nov 10 (changeover).
Admission
Adult ¥1,000; University and high school students ¥600; Junior high and elementary school students ¥400
Highlights
Kitamura Shōsai (died 2023), third generation of a Nara family of lacquer artists, worked with his father from 1970 onward to repair, study and reproduce Kasuga Taisha's ancient lacquered sacred treasures, and was recognized as a Living National Treasure for raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) in 1999.

Kitamura Shōsai (died 2023), third generation of a Nara family of lacquer artists, worked with his father from 1970 onward to repair, study and reproduce Kasuga Taisha's ancient lacquered sacred treasures, and was recognized as a Living National Treasure for raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) in 1999. For its tenth anniversary the museum shows his restoration replicas beside the original National Treasures, with a specially lent replica of the Shōsō-in's five-stringed pipa inlaid with mother-of-pearl (first period). Three chapters also cover his own work from his forties to his last years and the lacquer of his grandfather, his father and the family's next generation.

Exhibition information

Plan your visit

Display periods
  • First period: –
  • Second period: –
Opening hours
10:00–17:00 Last admission 16:30.
Closed
Tuesday, Nov 10 (changeover).
Closed during the exhibition
Admission
  • Adult ¥1,000
  • University and high school students ¥600
  • Junior high and elementary school students ¥400
Reservation
No timed reservation is mentioned; electronic tickets are available. Prices differ from the usual rate. Adult groups of 20 or more JPY 800. Free for the holder of a disability certificate or a Nara City senior card shown on the day.
Address
160 Kasugano-chō, Nara 630-8212 (Kasuga Taisha)

Information verified · Check the official site for same-day updates

Questions

How much is admission to Master of Craft: Living National Treasure Kitamura Shosai — Treasures of Maki-e and Raden Lacquer Arts and Kasuga Taisha?

Adult ¥1,000; University and high school students ¥600; Junior high and elementary school students ¥400.

When is Master of Craft: Living National Treasure Kitamura Shosai — Treasures of Maki-e and Raden Lacquer Arts and Kasuga Taisha on, and does the display change?

Oct 3 to Dec 13, 2026. First period: Oct 3–Nov 9; Second period: Nov 11–Dec 13.

What are the opening hours of Master of Craft: Living National Treasure Kitamura Shosai — Treasures of Maki-e and Raden Lacquer Arts and Kasuga Taisha?

Open 10:00–17:00. Last admission 16:30. Closed: Tuesday, Nov 10 (changeover).

Is there an audio guide for Master of Craft: Living National Treasure Kitamura Shosai — Treasures of Maki-e and Raden Lacquer Arts and Kasuga Taisha?

GUAN has no guide for this exhibition; dates and visiting information are on this page.

Official website

Sources for this page

On now and opening soon in Nara