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This museum is located in the heart of the ancient city of Nara, surrounded by the famous temples of Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji, and Kasuga Shrine. The museum, which celebrated its centennial anniversary in 1995, has been deeply involved in the preservation, inventory, and research of Japanese antiquities and archeological artifacts, especially artworks related to Buddhism. With the cooperation of temples, shrines and private collectors, the museum has organized exhibitions introducing a wealth of outstanding artworks over the years, including those featured in the very popular annual exhibition of treasures from the Shosoin Repository.

Kūkai - The Worlds of Mandalas and the Transcultural Origins of Esoteric Buddhism