"Nichiren to Hokke no Meiho," an exhibition sponsored by Kyoto Shimbun and other organizations, which introduces famous treasures associated with Nichiren, the founder of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism, started on October 10 at Kyoto National Museum in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto.

This year marks the 750th year since Nichiren dedicated his writing "Rissho Ankoku Ron," or On Securing the Peace of the Land through the Propagation of True Buddhism, to Tokiyori Hojo in 1260, worrying about the national crisis. The exhibition traces Nichiren's achievements, and focuses on temple treasures of the Nichiren sect, which established 16 temples in Kyoto and had a deep relationship with merchant class culture.

Featured exhibits include "Rissho Ankoku Ron," a national treasure, written by Nichiren himself, temple treasures such as the newly found Koryo dynasty Buddhist painting "Miroku Gesho Henso-zu," and works created by painters and potters who were devotees of the Nichiren sect. Among the works are the national treasure "Funabashi Maki-e Suzuri Bako," created by Koetsu Honami, and "Yahashi-zu," also a national treasure, painted by Kenzan Ogata. There are 12 newly discovered items, and 37 items are being exhibited for the first time.

The exhibition will continue until November 23, and there is an admission fee. The exhibits will be changed.