Commemorating 1,200th anniversary of Kongōbu-ji (金剛峯寺) , the head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism locating on Mount Kōya (高野山 Kōya-san), Wakayama prefecture, Japan, Hiroshi Senju was commissioned to paint the fusuma in selected halls of the temple.

Why is it significant?

First, Kongōbu-ji is part of the UNESCO World Heritage: "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". It is indeed an interesting pilgrimage route filled with historical sites, mountains and forest. Please check out the other shrines along the route: Kumano Hayatama Grand shrine, Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, and Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine.

Second, fusuma (the painting on the sliding door/panels of Japanese room.) is a major decoration of the Japanese rooms. Hiroshi Senju were commissioned to paint fusuma for 3 halls. Part of the fusuma panels will be exhibited.

Third, Hiroshi Senju (born in 1958, Tokyo) is one of the few masters of the Japanese-style painting emphasizing traditional Japanese techniques and materials. It is pretty rare to have a chance to see some new paintings of fusuma for the halls in a sacred temple. The paintings below will be very dramatic on the walls.

You may see some other works of this master in the exhibition, too.