Hiten, bodhisattvas that fly and dance in praise of Buddha, are wondrous beings, sometimes refered to as "flying angels." This exhibition focuses on the Buddhist symbols and their portrayal in various art forms, including sculptures and paintings. Ahead of the reopening of the renovated Phoenix Hall of Kyoto's Byodoin Temple, "Bodhisattva Riding Clouds" presents a special display of the temple's hiten statues. Collectively known as the only existing group of 11th-century Buddhist statues, these hiten are depicted floating on clouds while dancing or playing musical instruments.
One highlight, which is being shown for its first time outside of the temple, is the sculpture of a hiten attached to the halo of Amidanyorai, East Asia's principal Buddha; Nov. 23-Jan. 13.
Suntory Museum of Art; Tokyo Midtown Galleria 3F, 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku,Tokyo. Roppongi Stn. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. (Fri., Sat. till 8 p.m.) ¥1,300. Closed Tue. 03-3479-8600; www.suntory.com/sma
