A 'Ghost Paintings' Exhibition, Linked to Rakugo Master San'yūtei Enchō, Held in Yanaka, Tokyo
From August 1 to 31, 2019, Zensho-an temple (Rinzai school, Kōtaiji sect) in Yanaka, Tokyo, will host the Yanaka Enchō Festival's 'Ghost Paintings Exhibition'.
San'yūtei Enchō, a master of rakugo who was active from the late Edo period to the Meiji era and created many masterpieces such as 'Botan Dōrō' (The Peony Lantern), 'Shinkei Kasanui-dori' (The True Scene of Kasane's Grave), and 'Shinigami' (The Death God), collected numerous ghost paintings to reference for his ghost stories. These unique paintings, depicting various specters rendered by renowned artists like Shibata Zeshin, Ito Sei'u, and Kawanabe Kyōsai, some purportedly from Maruyama Ōkyo, are now housed at Zensho-an, Enchō's mausoleum, and are specially exhibited for one month every August.
During the exhibition period, Zensho-an will hold numerous events as part of the "Yanaka Enchō Festival."
August 11 (Sunday) marks Enchō's death anniversary.
A memorial service, a commemorative rakugo performance, and an 'otakiage' (bonfire) ceremony will be held for 'Enchōki' and 'Enchōza'.
At Enchōza, enjoy rakugo performances by Basō Suzumeya and Kikunojō Kōkentei.
August 17 (Saturday) features the "35th Enchō Yose" (rakugo performance).
This event will include performances by Hōraku San'yūtei, Kōraku San'yūtei, and Enchō San'yūtei, among others.
August 24 (Saturday) presents "Kakeai Banashi 'Shinigami'" (A Dialogue Performance of 'The Death God') told by true ghost storytellers.
Ghost stories will be shared by Senka Ushikoshi and Tsukiya Kamijō.
We encourage you to visit during this special occasion.
Yanaka Enchō Festival: Ghost Paintings Exhibition
Exhibition Overview
Dates: August 1, 2019 (Thursday) – August 31, 2019 (Saturday)
Also open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:30 PM)
Admission Fee: 500 yen
Organizer: Zensho-an, Rinzai school, Kōtaiji sect
Planning & Operation: Epiphany Works Inc.
Special Website for the 'Ghost Paintings Exhibition'https://www.yureiga.com
All images shown are from Zensho-an's collection.
From left: Ito Sei'u's "Kaidan Chibusa Enoki" (Ghost Story of the Chibusa Enoki Tree), Ikeda Ayaka's "Sarayashiki" (The Plate Mansion), and Hizasaki Eihō's "Yūrei no Mae no Kayan" (Ghost Before the Mosquito Net).
Center image (left): The exhibition room for the 'Ghost Paintings Exhibition' at Zensho-an.
Zensho-an
(5-4-7 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Founded in 1883 by Yamaoka Tesshū, this temple was established to offer prayers for those who died for the country during the Meiji Restoration.
Due to its connection with Yamaoka Tesshū, it is the resting place of the first generation rakugo master San'yūtei Enchō and houses fifty of the ghost paintings Enchō favored.
Access
Approximately 10-minute walk from JR or Keisei Electric Railway's Nippori Station.
Approximately 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line's Sendagi Station (Dango-zaka Shita Exit).
Epiphany Works Inc.
Tel. info@epiphanyworks.net