Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans (Chōjū giga) is a national treasure consisting of a set of four scrolls, known to have been produced in the late Heian period (794-1185) to Kamakura period (1185-1333). Owned by the Kozan-ji temple in Kyoto, established by a Kamakura buddhist monk Myoe (1173-1232), the scroll has gone through a long restoration project and the entire scroll is being exhibited at the Kyoto National Museum.
The first scroll is the most famous and widely known out of the four scrolls, depicting animals (rabbits, frogs, and monkeys) mimicking humans. Often described as cute and funny, the scroll is also referred to as an example of the first manga in Japan. Whether we call this a manga or not, this fun and lively piece of work is definitely worth a look.
If you are in Japan or planning a trip to Kyoto very soon, this is a great opportunity to see the historical masterpiece. And don’t forget, now is the best season to see the foliage in Kyoto area.
Exhibition Information
Location: Kyoto National Museum
Period: October 7 – November 24, 2014
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (Entrance Until 5:30 p.m.)/ Fridays 9:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (Entrance Until 7:30 p.m.)
Closed: Closed on Monday *When Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be opened on Monday and closed on Tuesday.
More info here: http://www.kyohaku.go.jp/eng/special/index.html
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