Oterabu (おてらぶ) is a club activity run by Felissimo (フェリシモ) that looks for hints for a richer daily life in temple culture. For the special exhibition "Daitokuji: A Zen Temple Beyond Compare" (大徳寺 本朝無双之禅苑), held to mark the 700th anniversary of the temple's founding and open at Heiseikan, Tokyo National Museum since October 14, 2026, Oterabu has created limited collaboration goods.
Oterabu began its activities in 2014 with the aim of creating opportunities to experience the ideas behind temple culture in modern daily life in a way that is cute, fun, and familiar. Rather than simply printing the visuals of artworks, it translates culture and spirituality into everyday items from its own viewpoint. The collaboration items were planned with inspiration from the "spirit of Zen" behind the treasures of Daitokuji.
Please note that the collaboration items are sold only at the exhibition's special shop.
Collaboration Goods Leading to the World of Zen
Daitokuji (Daihonzan Daitokuji, 大本山 大徳寺), which spreads across Murasakino in Kyoto, is a leading Zen temple in northern Kyoto. It was founded in 1326 (the first year of Karyaku) by its founding priest Shuho Myocho (宗峰妙超, also known as Daito Kokushi, 大燈国師). Emperor Go-Daigo praised it as a Zen temple beyond compare (本朝無双之禅苑), and it has handed down Japan's Zen culture for nearly 700 years.
Kakizu Squeeze Mascot: Bringing the Zen Spirit Back to the Present
Daitokuji Exhibition x Oterabu Kakizu Squeeze Mascots (柿図スクイーズマスコット), 3 types in total
The Zen painting "Kakizu" (柿図), an Important Cultural Property attributed to Mokkei (牧谿), shows persimmons in white, gray, and black in ink. These persimmons have been turned into squeeze mascots in monochrome colors. Squeezing the mascot when the mind feels unsettled lets the holder focus on the sensation coming back to the palm and return to the "here and now." The item was planned as a Zen-style approach to mindfulness.
Wristwatch and Accessory Pouch Inspired by the Tsubaki Onagadori Tsuishu-bon
Daitokuji Exhibition x Oterabu Tsubaki Onagadori Tsuishu-bon wristwatch (椿尾長鳥堆朱盆 花鳥舞う朱盆ウォッチ)
Daitokuji Exhibition x Oterabu Tsubaki Onagadori Tsuishu-bon accessory pouch (椿尾長鳥堆朱盆 アクセサリーポーチ)
The Tsubaki Onagadori Tsuishu-bon (椿尾長鳥堆朱盆) is an Important Cultural Property made in China during the Yuan dynasty. The designers focused on the delicate carving of "tsuishu" (堆朱), a technique in which layers of vermilion lacquer are applied one over another and patterns are carved in relief with a sharp blade, and on the quiet presence of the deep vermilion lacquer.
They were drawn to the mysterious charm of this historic piece, which seems to calm the viewer's mind. Although the extraordinary craftsmanship cannot be fully reproduced, the designers turned it into a wristwatch and an accessory pouch so that the beauty of its form and the depth of its handwork can be felt in everyday life.
Collaboration Goods Touching the Mysterious World of Yokai
The Hyakki Yagyo Emaki (百鬼夜行絵巻), an Important Cultural Property handed down at Daitokuji's Shinjuan (真珠庵) since long ago, is a picture scroll that depicts yokai marching in a line night after night. Yokai known as tsukumogami (付喪神), which have taken the forms of various tools familiar in daily life at the time, such as pots, kettles, biwa, and koto, are drawn in mysterious shapes.
The items were planned with this work in mind. It is seen as a masterpiece in which one can sense a culture that values things and holds that life and spirit dwell in every existence, as well as the free spirit of Zen that calmly accepts even the chaos of the world.
Daitokuji Exhibition x Oterabu Fusafusa Kotofurunushi Pen Pouch (ふさふさ琴古主ペンポーチ)
Daitokuji Exhibition x Oterabu Okka Cushion & Blanket (オッカ クッション＆ブランケット)
Compassion Through Statues Protected at Daitokuji
The contrasting figures of the Kamakura-period wooden statues "Kasho and Anan" (迦葉・阿難) convey an earnest attitude toward enlightenment and deep compassion. They have been expressed as ear accessories with different designs on the left and right, described as "ear accessories blooming at the ears, symbolizing intelligence and kindness." The earring parts depict the hands of Anan and Kasho in prayer, and the swaying rings evoke their halos.
Daitokuji Exhibition x Oterabu Satori Ear Accessories (耳元に咲く、知性とやさしさサトリイヤアクセサリー)
Oterabu also introduces the highlights of the Daitokuji special exhibition on its own page: Oterabu's guide to the exhibition highlights
Exhibition Information
- Exhibition: Special exhibition commemorating the 700th anniversary of the founding, "Daitokuji: A Zen Temple Beyond Compare" (大徳寺 本朝無双之禅苑)
- Venue: Heiseikan, Tokyo National Museum (Ueno Park, Tokyo)
- Period: Wednesday, October 14 to Sunday, December 6, 2026
- Early period: Wednesday, October 14 to Sunday, November 8
- Late period: Tuesday, November 10 to Sunday, December 6
- Note: Exhibits will be changed substantially during the exhibition period.
- Official website: https://daitokuji2026.exhn.jp/
