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Stone Stage for Performing
Shōryō-e Bugaku Dance
This stone stage over the turtle pond in front of Rokujidō Hall is usually a quiet spot, but every April 22, it is the site of one of Shitennōji Temple’s most elaborate rituals. On the anniversary of temple founder Prince Shōtoku’s (574–622) death, rites called Shōryō-e are performed for the repose of his spirit. The stage is colorfully decorated with items like large red balls hung in the air to represent manjushage, flowers said to be found in the heavens that resemble spider lilies, and then performers in ornate costumes perform a series of dances collectively known as Shōryō-e Bugaku.
These dances, also known as Tennōji Bugaku, each have their own meaning and costumes. Their origins are tied to the performing arts that Prince Shōtoku introduced to Japan from the Asian continent over 1,400 years ago. This style of performance came to be called bugaku during the Heian period (794–1185). Tennōji Bugaku is known for being more dynamic than the somber styles performed in other places. The generous space of the stone stage, which is roughly 200 square meters, helps accommodate the dynamic movements of many performers at once. There are records of a stone stage for bugaku at Shitennōji from the twelfth century, but the current stage was built in 1623 and repaired in 1808. It was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1954, and Shōryō-e Bugaku Dance was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1976.
These dances, also known as Tennōji Bugaku, each have their own meaning and costumes. Their origins are tied to the performing arts that Prince Shōtoku introduced to Japan from the Asian continent over 1,400 years ago. This style of performance came to be called bugaku during the Heian period (794–1185). Tennōji Bugaku is known for being more dynamic than the somber styles performed in other places. The generous space of the stone stage, which is roughly 200 square meters, helps accommodate the dynamic movements of many performers at once. There are records of a stone stage for bugaku at Shitennōji from the twelfth century, but the current stage was built in 1623 and repaired in 1808. It was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1954, and Shōryō-e Bugaku Dance was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1976.
