Murals at Nara's Horyuji Temple go on limited display | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

Ancient Buddhist murals that are kept largely from view have gone on limited display at Horyuji Temple in Nara Prefecture. The works in the temple's 'Kondo,' or main hall, are designated as important cultural properties.

The viewing event, which will continue through October 26, is open to donors to a crowdfunding drive to preserve the temple's artwork.

Many of the murals were damaged in a fire in 1949 and are currently kept in the temple's storehouse. Visitors can view 12 fire-damaged panels, including images of the Amitabha Buddha and Bodhisattvas. Flying Apsaras feature in an additional 19 panels, which at the time of the fire had been removed for repair and escaped damage.

Although the murals are generally closed to the public, the temple has been showing them over the last five years for limited time periods and visitor numbers. The aim is to study the impact of people entering the storehouse, with an eye to future public displays.

Among those at the display, a man from Nara City said he is glad to be able to feel the world of Buddhism. He also said he was impressed by efforts to preserve the murals for following generations.

A man from Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, who was on his fourth visit to see the artwork said he was moved to think about the wishes of the people before him who tried to preserve the damaged artifacts.