This collection of more than 300 nehanzo (nirvana statues) was originally accumulated by the artist Tadanori Yokoo.
Such statues usually depict Buddha reclining as he awaits death to enter parinirvana, a realm also known as nirvana-after-death. This exhibition, however, includes all kinds of figures reclining — from Buddhas to frogs and naked mermaids. Yokoo believed that both the novel and popular themes of such statues were not conflicting but could work harmoniously together. The artist-collector's own related works, such as "......but!," which features Buddha in the background, and the female nude "Wonderland" will also be on display; Jan. 24-March 29.
Yokoo Tadanori Museum of Contemporary Art; 3-8-30 Harada-dori, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo. Oji-koen Stn. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Fri., Sat. till 8 p.m.). ¥700. Closed Mon. 078-855-5607; www.ytmoca.jp