To mark World Heritage Day, (18th April 2024) we are shining a light on the Shrines and Temples of Nikko.
(As always with our blogs, you can click on any of the below images for a closer look at the featured work.)
Nikko is one of 25 World Heritage Sites located in Japan and the various buildings at this beautiful and historic complex are popular subjects in our collection of Japanese Fine Art and Antiques, often featuring on silk embroideries, Satsuma ware and fine Metalwork.
World Heritage Day is an international day of observance held globally every year on the 18th April.
A range of activities including conferences, guided visits, round-table discussions and media campaigns take place on this day and each year the International Council on Monuments and Sites chooses a theme to focus on, such as sustainable tourism (2017) and rural landscapes (2019.)
The theme for 2024 is unfortunately pertinent, “Disasters and Conflict”.
For centuries, the Shrines and Temples of Nikko have been a sacred site celebrated for their architectural beauty. Closely associated with the Tokugawa Shoguns, the Nikko complex is located in a stunning natural setting in Tochigi Prefecture in the Northern part of the Kanto region.
There are over 100 religious buildings, many dating from the 17th Century.
The first known settlement on the sacred Nikko mountains dates as far back as the 8th Century and was built by a Buddhist Monk.
The complex is testament to a centuries old tradition of conservation and restoration and the landmark is a magnificent marriage of architecture, design, worship and the stunning beauty of nature.
We hope you enjoyed this article. You can browse over 100 stories inspired by our collection of Chinese and Japanese Fine Art and Antiques by clicking here.
