‘The Three Magic Flowers of Jitchu’ on Kagami Lake in the Todaiji Temple complex of Nara, Japan, an art installation, 2004.

The project consisted of seven hundred different steel sculptures (45cm) ‘scattered’ over the surface of the lake, and three large (8m height) flowers, made of steel and fabric. The installation took place from August 5th -20th , during which time the temple received nation-wide attention from Japanese media. It was the first contemporary art installation ever to take place on temple grounds. Kagami Lake, the location of the art installation, is in front of Daibutsuden, the main temple of Todaiji which is not only the oldest wooden structure in the world but also home to the largest seated Buddha in the world.

The Story:

It has been over twelve hundred years since Jitchu (a monk with high responsibilities who comes from somewhere in the Middle-East) suddenly vanished while running around the altar.

The legend says that over the centuries, Jitchu has shed three drops of sweat while running.

These became the seeds for three magic flowers.

The three magic flowers of Jitchu are built in celebration of the 1250th anniversary of Jitchu 100’s of figures assembled around the flowers to participate in the celebration.