Development-From the ancient to medieval times in Nakatsu-
In commemoration of the 1300th anniversary of the Three-Generations-One-Household Law related to the land system of the Nara period, this presentation introduces the activities of people who lived in ancient and medieval times based on materials related to the development of fields. Focusing on the remaining jōri paddies in the city, official government office ruins, Usa Hachiman Shrine, and development landlords, the origins of Nakatsu are unraveled from the perspective of "development." Additionally, during this period, experiential events such as walking tours utilizing the ancient zone and observing aquatic life in the Okidai jōri will be held.
We will unravel the local ancient and medieval history with a focus on Japanese history. The exhibition will primarily showcase tangible materials such as ancient documents and illustrations transmitted to the Shōsōin, as well as artifacts related to mountain Buddhism, including Buddhist statues and archaeological materials associated with Usa Shrine, Mt. Hiko, and Mt. Hachimen.
Main works
Sutra cylinder excavated from the Yamanoshita ruins/Tokyo National Museum/Image:TNM Image Archives
Sutra cylinder excavated from the Yamanoshita ruins：Due to the Pure Land Buddhist philosophy that became popular during the Heian period, mounds for burying scriptures, known as kyōzuka, were actively constructed by burying sutras in the ground. Particularly, many kyōzuka were found on mountains revered as sacred, where ascetic monks practiced. Mount Hachimenzan in Shimoge District has been worshipped as a sacred mountain associated with the Hachiman deity since ancient times. In the 11th to 12th centuries, a mountain temple with a monastery was established. Sutra cases from this period have been unearthed from kyōzuka such as Yamanoshita Kyōzuka and Dainichi-ji Kyōzuka.
Seated Saint Hōren/Okura Museum of Art
Seated Saint Hōren：At Wayo Ishi on Mount Hachimenzan, there are narratives associated with Hachiman, the deity, and the monk Hōren. According to the tale, Hachiman approached Hōren, who had attained the wish-fulfilling jewel at Hikosan Tamaya Cave. Hachiman seized the jewel and fled, but was later captured by Hōren on the summit of Mount Hachimenzan. During the divine manifestation of Hachiman in Usa, a covenant was established, promising that if Hachiman descended to Usa, Hōren would become the chief priest of the shrine. This became the basis for the connection between them.
Hōren was a historical figure known for alleviating the people's suffering through medical practices. According to the “Shoku Nihongi" (Continuation of the Chronicles of Japan), he was granted 40 cho of fields in Buzen Province and the surname Usa no Kimi. It is said that he became the chief priest of Miroku-ji, the main temple of Usa Hachimangu Shrine, and also founded the Kokuzō-ji temple.
