Stone chamber of Kitora mound on display for one time only

The public in August will get their first--and only--chance to view the stone chamber of the Kitora mound that contained colorful murals from the late seventh to early eighth centuries. The Agency for Cultural Affairs said June 6 that viewing will be available from Aug. 18 to 25 for free.

Visitors will have to look through a glass panel to see the stone chamber of the Kitora mound
in Asuka, Nara Prefecture, for a limited period in August [Credit: Asahi Shimbun]

The agency has removed the rich colored wall paintings of four deities, including Byakko (white tiger) and Genbu (black tortoise), from the stone chamber and shown the murals to the public. But the actual stone chamber, which is now protected within a temporary special facility built at the mound, has never been on exhibit.

After the showing, the facility will be removed to bring the mound to its original state.

Visitors will be required to stand behind a glass pane to see the outside of the stone chamber, which was built with 18 stones and measures 2.4 meters in length, 1.04 meters in width and 1.24 meters in height.

They can see a passage leading to the chamber, but they will not be able to view the inside of it.

At a temporary repair center in Asuka, the agency will also display wall paintings from the Takamatsuzuka and Kitora mounds, both of which date back to the late seventh century to early eighth century and are designated as special historic sites by the government.

The agency in early July will announce details on how viewers can join the tour. Up to 450 people will be selected for each day of the event.

Between 2004 and 2010, the agency removed the wall paintings of the Kitora mound, including the four deities, 12 zodiac signs and an astronomical chart, to repair damage caused by mold.

The restored murals will be placed in an interactive learning center that will be built near the mound, instead of being returned to the stone chamber, the agency said.

Author: Kazuto Tsukamoto | Source: The Asahi Shimbun [June 07, 2013]