''Elegant Perfection: Masterpieces of Courtly and Religious Art from the Tokyo National Museum''

Be on the lookout for the 11th-century Seated Dainichi Nyorai in the new exhibition ”Elegant Perfection: Masterpieces of Courtly and Religious Art from the Tokyo National Museum.” Made of lacquered wood and covered with traces of gold leaf, the seated Buddha, just over three feet tall, is sure to be a highlight of the show.

Also on display will be a rare 11th-century collection of Japanese poetry, and a 14th-century painting of the Buddha’s departure from this world.

For having such a long title, the exhibit itself is a small collection, just 26 pieces. But each is culturally important, many of them designated National Treasures. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 12:15 to 7 p.m. Sundays. Through April 8. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet. For information, call 713-639-7300 or visit www.mfah.org. Free to $10.

Feb. 19-April 8, 2012