Monday, January 12, 2015

Kibune Shrine, Bungokawachi


k9592

The Kibune shrine in Bungokawachi on the western side of the Kunisaki Peninsula is one of about 500 branch shrines of the Kifune Shrine just north of Kyoto. Curiously another 2 Kibune shrines are within a kilometer of this one.

k9596

Inside the main building was a fine red Oni mask, a pair of nice wooden zuijin, and a wonderful ceiling of paintings, many of which seemed quite recent.

k9599

The main kami of Kibune shrines are Takaokami and Kuraokami, formed from the blood of Izanagis sword after he slew the kami of fire that burned Izanami to death. They are both associated with water.

k9604

There is a small Inari shrine to the rear.

k9606

3 comments:

  1. The image of the ceiling has moved me sending this bit of words from the N.Y.Times from about 1990-93. Jennifer Bartlett an American artist was asked to paint the temple ceiling and this is what the Times wrote:

    The temple, belonging to the Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land) Buddhist sect, had been destroyed by American bombers during World War (2),and Kiyotani's father, also a monk, had reconstructed the building. Kiyotani was to restore the artistic features. "He was very relaxed about the prospect," says Bartlett.Bartlett went to meet the monk and see the temple. Then she traveled all over Japan looking at ceilings. "What if you don't like it?" she asked Kiyotani. "Everything new looks strange for the first 200 years," he responded, "and then it looks fine."

    I hope you enjoyed this even a little as much as I have. Thanks as allways for your great posted pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've been to Kibbune myself, but didn't make it as far as the shrine. I didn't know there was more than one in the area. Your photo of the ceiling is great - new and old juxtaposed together. What a beautiful old place to visit.

    ReplyDelete