Lebendige Bilder

The exhibition "Living Images" at the Museum of East Asian Art Cologne explores the fascinating interplay of art and ritual in the religious practices of China, Japan and Korea. From November 6, 2025 to autumn 2026, the impressive exhibits invite visitors to immerse themselves in the spiritual world of Buddhism. This cultural exploration sheds light on how works of art play a central role in important ceremonies. Ritual objects such as vajra sceptres and bells are used in ceremonial acts to channel spiritual energies. Special exhibits such as a Japanese Buddha Vairocana from the 12th century or the Korean hanging scroll of a hell king impressively highlight the ritual dimension. The "School of the Pure Land" and its simplified approach of worship through invocation offer access for a wide audience, while complex ceremonies such as the Bulbokjang ceremony exemplify the Korean custom of canonizing Buddhist images. The exhibition also shows how everyday purification and meditation rituals accompany the pursuit of enlightenment. The meta-approach of the exhibition transports visitors to a world in which art, religion and ritual are in perfect harmony.