Wonderland of Buddhist Hell Scenes

Things are about to get devilishly hot at the Mitsui Museum this summer, as this survey of the Buddhist netherworld in art introduces Tokyoites to Enma Dai-O, the god of Hell, Ksitigarbha, the bodhisattva of the damned, plus demons, ghouls and other fearsome inhabitants of the fiery realm. In addition to this ghastly cast, the artworks on display depict the cycle of existence, paradise and other central elements of Buddhist lore, while a lighter touch is provided by select drawings from manga master Shigeru Mizuki's hell-themed comics. Note that some of the displays will be switched out during the exhibition.