"Shinto Costumes, Fittings, Crafts of KYOTO," a special exhibition to introduce the skills of craftsmen in Kyoto who make paraphernalia for Shinto rituals and attire for Shinto priests, is now being held at the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts "Fureaikan" gallery in the basement of Miyako Messe in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto.

This event is sponsored by Kyoto Jingi Kogei Kyodo Kumiai, a cooperative association of craftsmen who create paraphernalia and costumes for Shinto rites, to showcase the excellent craftsmanship of the items. A total of 56 items by approximately 30 craftsmen in the city are on display.

The venue is divided into four sections, "Inori," "Mai," "Matsuri," and "Miyabi," or prayers, dance, festivals and elegance, respectively. Included in the display are "Ten-kan," or a gorgeous golden crown for ritual dances, and "Sho," or a traditional Shinto flute consisting of 17 long and short bamboo pipes. "Misu," or a bamboo blind hung before the altar, and "Shinkyo," or a sacred mirror placed in front of the shrine deity, can be seen up close.

The exhibition continues until February 7. There is no admission fee.