Ito devotional works in Chicago debut

"What I seek to create is not just the physical form of a Buddha figure. My purpose for sculpting them is to inspire and motivate everyone to find the enlightened [Buddha] nature within their own selves and grow spiritually."

-- Shinjo Ito

The serenity and splendor of Buddhist artifacts by Shinjo Ito, one of Japan's most significant modern religious artists, are on exhibit at the Chicago Illuminating Company on the Near South Side.

"The Vision and Art of Shinjo Ito," running through May 1, includes more than 100 pieces of sculpture, calligraphy and photography by Ito (1906-1989). Also included are busts of the artist's friends and family members, such as the artist's two sons, both of whom died at an early age.

The traveling exhibit, which began in Japan to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ito, features a showstopping centerpiece -- the "Great Parinirvana" (1957), a 16-foot-long, gold-colored statue of a reclining Buddha Shakyamuni about to enter nirvana.

Rev. Mark Pinto, a docent and exhibit coordinator, said, "Many artists in Japan created art for art's sake, but Ito created these items to be used in meditations."

Ito was the founder of the Shinnyo-en stream of Buddhism, which has more than 1 million followers.

"Today, Shinjo's artifacts are recognized as beautiful art," Pinto said. "What's also exciting about this exhibit is that it marks the first time these works have been seen outside of a temple."

Admission to the exhibit is free at the Chicago Illuminating Company, 19 E. 21st St. Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call (312) 326-9500 or visit the Web site www.shinjoito.com/events.

Note: A special information center has been set up at 102 E. Oak (just east of Michigan) to provide a free trolley to the exhibit and back. The trolley runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The information center also offers a Buddhist library and a boutique to buy exhibit-related goods. Center hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

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Included in the exhibit is a recreation of Shinjo Ito's studio.

Aryavalokiteshvara

Included in the exhibit is the "Aryavalokiteshvara" (Bronze, 87cm, 1975).

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Included in the exhibit is the "Bodhisattva Samantabhadra" (Bronze, 26.7cm, 1978).