Prayer and Beauty in Iwami: A Special Exhibition Tracing Medieval Devotion
島根県益田市の島根県立石見美術館で、開館20周年を記念する特別展「石見の祈りと美－未来へつなぐ中世の宝－」が4月26日から開催されている。会期は6月16日まで。
The Shimane Prefectural Iwami Art Museum in Masuda City has opened a commemorative exhibition marking its 20th anniversary. Titled “Prayer and Beauty in Iwami: Medieval Treasures for the Future”, the exhibition runs from April 26 to June 16.
本展では、平安時代末から安土桃山時代にかけて石見地域に根ざした美術工芸品約60点（重要文化財16点を含む）を展示し、信仰のかたちと文化の継承を辿る。展示は三章構成で、冒頭の第1章「祈りと信仰」では、仏像や経巻、荘厳具など仏教美術を通して中世の精神世界に迫る。
Focusing on religious art and devotional culture rooted in the Iwami region from the late Heian to the Azuchi–Momoyama period, the show brings together around 60 works, offering insight into the spiritual expressions and cultural heritage of medieval Japan. The first section, “Prayer and Faith,” highlights Buddhist sculptures, scrolls, and ritual implements, revealing the depth of the religious world of the time.
出品作には、国指定重要文化財を含む仏像彫刻が並ぶ。《阿弥陀如来立像》（松江市・浄安寺蔵）や《十一面観音菩薩立像》（益田市・教安寺蔵）、《不動明王坐像》（鎌倉市・極楽寺蔵）など、鎌倉・室町期の秀作が揃う。また、《大日如来坐像》（益田市・医光寺蔵）や《釈迦如来坐像》（浜田市・三隅寺蔵）といった石見ゆかりの仏像も出品され、地域の信仰の広がりが示される。
Among the featured works are several designated Important Cultural Properties, including the Standing Amida Nyorai from Jōanji Temple (Matsue City), the Standing Eleven-Headed Kannon from Kyōanji Temple (Masuda City), and the Seated Fudō Myōō from Gokurakuji Temple (Kamakura City). The exhibition also includes regionally significant works such as the Seated Dainichi Nyorai from Igōji Temple (Masuda City) and the Seated Shakyamuni from Misumiji Temple (Hamada City), illustrating the breadth of local devotion.
巻物や経典の展示も充実しており、《法華経巻第六》（益田市・大元山神社蔵）や《祈祷札／扉書・音声書》（浜田市・延命寺蔵）などから、祈りの言葉とその造形が立ち現れる。
The display of sacred texts is also notable. Items such as the Lotus Sutra, Volume 6 (Ōmotoyama Shrine, Masuda City) and Prayer Plaques with Mantra Texts (Enmeiji Temple, Hamada City) reflect the visual and material expression of prayer in medieval religious life.
展示品の一部は、地域外から“里帰り”しての特別出展であり、《不動明王坐像》などは会期を通して展示される。
Some objects are being shown in Iwami for the first time, returning temporarily from institutions outside the region. The Seated Fudō Myōō, for instance, will be exhibited throughout the full run of the show.
関連イベントとして、益田家の至宝やその伝来をめぐるシンポジウム、地元銘茶「雪舟」の呈茶などが予定されており、歴史・文化・生活を多角的に体感できる内容が組まれている。
A range of related programs accompany the exhibition, including a symposium on the treasures of the Masuda clan and their transmission, as well as a tasting event featuring the local premium tea “Sesshū.” These programs provide multifaceted perspectives on the intersection of history, culture, and daily life.
