List of National Treasures of Japan (sculptures)
Encyclopedia
In the mid-6th century, the introduction of Buddhism
from Baekje
to Japan resulted in a revival of Japanese sculpture
. Buddhist monks, artisans and scholars settled around the capital in Yamato Province
(present day Nara Prefecture
) and passed their techniques to native craftsmen. Consequently, early Japanese sculptures from the Asuka
and Hakuhō
periods show strong influences of continental art, which initially were characterized by almond-shaped eyes, upward-turned crescent-shaped lips and symmetrically arranged folds in the clothing. The workshop of the Japanese sculptor Tori Busshi
, who was strongly influenced by the Northern Wei
style, produced works which exemplify such characteristics. The Shakyamuni triad and the Guze Kannon at Hōryū-ji
are prime examples. By the late 7th century, wood replaced bronze and copper. By the early Tang Dynasty
, greater realism was expressed by fuller forms, long narrow slit eyes, softer facial features, flowing garments and embellishments with ornaments such as bracelets and jewels. Two prominent examples of sculptures of this period are the Shō Kannon
at Yakushi-ji
and the Yumechigai Kannon at Hōryū-ji.
During the Nara period
, from 710 to 794, the government established and supported workshops called zōbussho, the most prominent of which was located in the capital Nara
at Tōdai-ji
, which produced Buddhist statuary. Clay, lacquer
and wood, in addition to bronze, were used. Stylistically, the sculptures were influenced by the high Tang style, showing fuller body modelling, more natural drapery and a greater sense of movement. Representative examples of Nara period sculpture include the Great Buddha and the Four Heavenly Kings
at Tōdai-ji, or the Eight Legions at Kōfuku-ji
.
Early Heian period
works before the mid-10th century appear heavy compared to Nara period statues, carved from single blocks of wood, and characterised by draperies carved with alternating round and sharply cut folds. Stylistically, they followed high to later Tang style. In the Heian period
the zōbussho were replaced with temple-run and independent workshops; wood became the primary medium; and a specific Japanese style emerged. By the mid-10th century, the style was refined presenting a more calm and gentle appearance, with attenuated proportions. Jōchō
was the most important sculptor of this time, and he used the yosegi technique, in which several pieces of wood are joined to sculpt a single figure. He was the ancestor of three important schools of Japanese Buddhist statuary: the Enpa, Inpa and Keiha school. The Amida Nyorai at Byōdō-in
is the only extant work by Jōchō.
Japanese sculpture experienced a renaissance during the Kamakura period
, led by the Kei school
. Partially influenced by Song Dynasty
China, their sculpture is characterised by realism featuring elaborate top knots, jewelry, and wavy drapery. Although predominantly wooden, bronze was also used as a material for the statues. As a novelty, portrait sculptures of prominent monks were created adjacent to the depiction of Buddhist deities.
The term "National Treasure
" has been used in Japan to denote cultural properties
since 1897.
The definition and the criteria have changed since the inception of the term. These sculptures adhere to the current definition, and have been designated national treasures since the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties came into force on June 9, 1951. The items are selected by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
based on their "especially high historical or artistic value". This list presents 126 entries of sculptures, including those from Classical and early Feudal Japan of the 7th-century Asuka period
to the 13th-century Kamakura period
, although the number of sculptures is higher, because, groups of related sculptures have sometimes been joined to form single entries. The sculptures listed depict Buddhist
and Shintō
deities or priests venerated as founders of temples. Some of the most ancient sculptures were imported directly from China.
, 7 are made of clay and 1 entry, the Usuki Stone Buddhas
, is a stone sculpture. Typically hinoki, Japanese nutmeg
, sandalwood
and camphorwood were the woods used for the wooden sculptures. Wooden sculptures were often lacquered or covered with gold-leaf. The smallest statue measures around 10 centimetres (3.9 in), whereas the Great Buddhas of Nara and Kamakura are about 13 metres (42.7 ft) and 15 metres (49.2 ft) high. The objects on the list are located in Buddhist temples, or in museums associated with temples. Some items are located in shrines, as well as in secular museums.
Nara Prefecture
is home to the largest number of National Treasure sculptures, with 70 of the 126 entries. Together with the 37 entries located in Kyoto Prefecture
, they constitute the bulk of sculptural National Treasures. Hōryū-ji
and Kōfuku-ji
are the locations with the most entries, at 17 each.
}
| 78 cm (30.7 in)
| , Mii-dera
, Ōtsu
, Shiga
|
|-
| or
|
| Heian period
, 9th century
| Colored wood
| Seated Chishō Daishi (Enchin
)
| 86.3 cm (34 in)
| , Mii-dera
, Ōtsu
, Shiga
|
|-
| or
|
| Heian period
, 10th century
| Colored wood
| Seated Chishō Daishi (Enchin
)
| 84.3 cm (33.2 in)
| , Mii-dera
, Ōtsu
, Shiga
|
|-
|
|
| Asuka period
, beginning of 8th century
| Gilt
bronze
| Seated Shakyamuni (Shaka Nyorai)
| 240.3 cm (94.6 in)
| Hon-dō, , Kizugawa
, Kyoto
|
|-
|
|
| Nara period
, second half of 8th century
| Wood-core dry lacquer , gold leaf over lacquer
| Standing Jūichimen Kannon
| 172.7 cm (68 in)
| Hon-dō, , Kyōtanabe
, Kyoto
|
|-
| or Wind God and Thunder God
|
| Kamakura period
, mid-13th century
| Colored wood and crystal eyes
| Standing Fūjin
and standing Raijin
| 111.5 cm (43.9 in) (Fūjin) and 100 cm (39.4 in) (Raijin)
| Sanjūsangen-dō
, , Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
| and
|
| Heian period
, 839
| Colored wood (faded)
| Seated Bonten on a lotus pedestal carried by four geese and Taishakuten
seated on an elephant in half-lotus position
| 101.1 cm (39.8 in) (Bonten) and 110 cm (43.3 in)
| , Tō-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, 1148
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Sitting Amida Nyorai and two sitting attendants (Kannon and Seishi)
| 233 cm (91.7 in) (Amida), 131.8 cm (51.9 in) (Kannon) and 130.9 cm (51.5 in) (Seishi)
| , Sanzen-in
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
| Former principal image of
| Heian period
, 896
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Sitting Amida Nyorai and two sitting attendants (Kannon and Seishi)
| 172.2 cm (67.8 in) (Amida), 165.7 cm (65.2 in) (Kannon) and 168.2 cm (66.2 in) (Seishi)
| Seiryō-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
| Originally enshrined in the kon-dō
| Heian period
, 888
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Sitting Amida Nyorai and two standing attendants (Kannon and Seishi)
| 88.6 cm (34.9 in) (Amida), 123.4 cm (48.6 in) (Kannon) and 123.3 cm (48.5 in) (Seishi)
| , Ninna-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, end of 11th century
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Sitting Amida Nyorai
| 280 cm (110.2 in)
| , , Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, 840
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Sitting Amida Nyorai
| 263.6 cm (103.8 in)
| , Kōryū-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
| Nine statues representing the nine stages of nirvana
| Heian period
, around 1100
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| One central sitting Amida Nyorai flanked by four sitting Amida Nyorai on both sides
| 224.2 cm (88.3 in) (central), 138.8 – (others)
| Hon-dō, , Kizugawa
, Kyoto
|
|-
|
| The principal image in the Phoenix Hall of Byōdō-in
and only extant work by Jōchō
| Heian period
, 1053
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Sitting Amida Nyorai
| 283.9 cm (111.8 in)
| , Byōdō-in
, Uji
, Kyoto
| |-
|
| Thought to accompany departed believers to Amida's Pure Land.
| Heian period
, 1053
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer , colored, partially cut-gold foil on wood
| 52 Bosatsu on clouds attached to the wall
| 40 –
| , Byōdō-in
, Uji
, Kyoto
|
|-
|
| Formerly enshrined in the
| Tang Dynasty
, 9th century
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer , colored,
| Standing Bishamonten
| 189.4 cm (74.6 in)
| , Tō-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
| Five almost identical Great Kokūzō Bosatsu are enshrined in the two-storied pagoda.
| Heian period
, 9th century
| Colored wood
| Five sitting Kokūzō Bosatsu (Akasagarbha
)
| 94.2 –
| Tahōtō
, Jingo-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
| |-
|
| The central figure is excluded from the nomination being a later work.
| Heian period
, 839
| Wood
| Four seated Bosatsu
| 96.4 cm (38 in)
| , Tō-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, 839
| Colored wood
| Five Wisdom Kings: sitting Acala
, standing Trilokavijaya, Kundali
and Vajrayaksa, Yamantaka riding a bull
| 173 cm (68.1 in) (Acala), 174 cm (68.5 in) (Trilokavijaya), 201 cm (79.1 in) (Kundali), 143 cm (56.3 in) (Yamantaka), 172 cm (67.7 in) (Vajrayaksa)
| , Tō-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
| By
| Kamakura period
, 1233
| Colored wood, crystal eyes
| Seated Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai
)
| 69 cm (27.2 in)
| , Tō-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
|
| late Heian period
, 11th–12th century
| Colored wood and cut-gold foil on wood
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
| 169.7 cm (66.8 in) (Jikoku-ten), 169.7 cm (66.8 in) (Zōjō-ten), 168.8 cm (66.5 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 167 cm (65.7 in) (Tamon-ten)
| , Kizugawa
, Kyoto
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, 839
| Wood
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
| 183 cm (72 in) (Jikoku-ten), 184.2 cm (72.5 in) (Zōjō-ten), 171.8 cm (67.6 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 197.9 cm (77.9 in) (Tamon-ten)
| , Tō-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
| and objects found within the statue
| Copy of lost Udayana Buddha by the Chinese sculptors and brothers Zhāng Yánjiǎo and Zhāng Yánxí. Brought to Japan from China in 986 by the monk . Includes a model of the internal organs, made of silk and other materials, a paper with the seal of Chōnen and other items. Inscription of repair dated 1218
| Northern Song, 985
| Wood, , cut-gold foil on wood
| Standing Shakyamuni (Shaka Nyorai)
| 160 cm (63 in)
| Hon-dō, Seiryō-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, 951
| Wood
| Standing Jūichimen Kannon
| 258 cm (101.6 in)
| Hon-dō, Rokuharamitsu-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
| By
| Heian period
, 1064
| Colored wood
| Standing Twelve Heavenly Generals
| 123 cm (48.4 in) (Kumbhira), 115.1 cm (45.3 in) (Andira)
| , Kōryū-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
| The principal image of Sanjūsangen-dō
. By Tankei
.
| Kamakura period
, 1251–1254
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer , crystal eyes
| Seated Thousand-armed Kannon
| 334.8 cm (131.8 in)
| Sanjūsangen-dō
, , Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, around 934
| Colored wood (faded)
| Standing Thousand-armed Kannon
| 109.7 cm (43.2 in)
| Hosshō-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, before 873
| Colored wood (faded)
| Standing Thousand-armed Kannon
| 266 cm (104.7 in)
| , Kōryū-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
| and two
|
| Heian period
, 9th century
| hinoki wood-core dry lacquer , painted or gilded
| Seated Hachiman
and two seated attendant goddesses
| c. 110 cm (43.3 in) each
| Tō-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, 1053
| Wood
| n/a
|
| , Byōdō-in
, Uji
, Kyoto
|
|-
|
|
| Kamakura period
, mid 13th century
| Colored wood (faded) and cut-gold foil on wood, crystal eyes
| Standing 28 attendants of the .
| 153.6 –
| Sanjūsangen-dō
, , Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, 1127
| Wood,
| Bishamonten
accompanied by his wife Kichijōten and her son Zennishi Dōji (all standing)
| 175.7 cm (69.2 in) (Bishamonten)
| Hon-dō, , Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
| Formerly enshrined in the
| Heian period
, around 800
| Colored wood (faded)
| Standing Fukū Kensaku Kannon
| 313.6 cm (123.5 in)
| , Kōryū-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
| and
|
| Heian period
, second half of 9th century
| Wood
| Seated Acala
and canopy
| 123 cm (48.4 in)
| , Tō-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
| or
|
| Heian period
, 9th century, Jōgan
era
| Wood,
| Nyoirin Kannon in half-lotus position
| 88.2 cm (34.7 in)
| Hon-dō, , Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
| or
| Possibly imported to Japan from Korea. One of the oldest items in the list.
| Asuka period
, 7th century
| Japanese Red Pine
wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Miroku Bosatsu in half-lotus position
| 84.2 cm (33.1 in)
| , Kōryū-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
| |-
| or
| Possibly made in Japan
| Asuka period
, around 700
| Camphorwood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Miroku Bosatsu in half-lotus position
| 66.4 cm (26.1 in)
| , Kōryū-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
| >
| Formerly enshrined in the
| Heian period
, 913
| Hinoki wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai (healing Buddha) and two standing attendants: Nikkō Bosatsu
and Gakkō Bosatsu (Bodhisattva
s of sun and moon light)
| 176.5 cm (69.5 in) (Yakushi)
| , Daigo-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
| By and . Halo with , Nikkō Bosatsu
and Gakkō Bosatsu. Pedestal with
| Heian period
, 1103
| Sandalwood
, , cut-gold foil on wood
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai
| 10.7 cm (4.2 in)
| , Ninna-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
| Principal image of Jingo-ji
's predecessor temple
| Heian period
, end of 8th century
| Wood,
| Standing Yakushi Nyorai
| 169.7 cm (66.8 in)
| Kon-dō , Jingo-ji
, Kyoto, Kyoto
|
|-
|
| The statue has a total of 1041 arms: 2 main arms with the hand palms facing each other in front of the statue, 38 large and 1001 small arms extending from behind the body.
| Nara period
, middle of 8th century
| ,
| Seated Thousand-armed Kannon
| 131.3 cm (51.7 in)
| Hon-dō , , Fujiidera
, Osaka
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, beginning of 9th century
| Wood,
| Standing Jūichimen Kannon
| 99.4 cm (39.1 in)
| Hon-dō , , Fujiidera
, Osaka
|
|-
|
| One of three masterpiece images of Nyoirin Kannon called San Nyoirin (三如意輪).
| Heian period
, around 840
| Colored wood
| Seated Nyoirin Kannon with one knee pulled up
| 108.8 cm (42.8 in)
| Kon-dō , Kanshin-ji
, Kawachinagano
, Osaka
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, around 900
| Wood,
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai
| 92.9 cm (36.6 in)
| Hon-dō , , Katano
, Osaka
|
|-
|
| The wooden core of the statues was covered with lacquer on which gold foil was pressed.
| Kamakura period
, 1195
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Standing Amida Nyorai and two standing attendants
| 530 cm (208.7 in) (Amida), 371 cm (146.1 in) (each attendant)
| Hon-dō ( or ) , Jōdo-ji
, Ono
, Hyōgo
| |-
| and
|
| Nara period
, 8th century
| , colored
| Standing Bonten and standing Taishakuten
| 403 cm (158.7 in) (Bonten), 378.8 cm (149.1 in) (Taishakuten)
| , Tōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Nara period
, 8th century
| , colored
| Seated Ganjin
| 80.1 cm (31.5 in)
| , Tōshōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| Niō in armour. There is another pair of Kongōrikishi (National Treasure) in , Tōdai-ji
.
| Nara period
, 8th century
| , colored, gold leaf over lacquer
| Standing pair of Niō
: and
| 326.3 cm (128.5 in) (Agyō) and 306 cm (120.5 in) (Ungyō)
| , Tōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| Statue of the founder of the
| Nara period
, second half of 8th century
|
| Seated Gyōshin
| 89.7 cm (35.3 in)
| , Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Nara period
, 8th century
| , colored
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
| 308.5 cm (121.5 in) (Jikoku-ten), 300 cm (118.1 in) (Zōjō-ten), 315.1 cm (124.1 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 312.1 cm (122.9 in) (Tamon-ten)
| , Tōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| Four statues of the group of 10 are lost. Originally enshrined in the surrounding the principal Shaka Nyorai image there
| Nara period
, 734
| , colored
| Standing six of The ten principal disciples
: Furuna, Mokuren, Sharihotsu, Kasennen
, Ragora, Shubodai
| 148.8 cm (58.6 in) (Furuna), 149.1 cm (58.7 in) (Mokuren), 154.8 cm (60.9 in) (Sharihotsu), 146 cm (57.5 in) (Kasennen), 148.8 cm (58.6 in) (Ragora), 147.6 cm (58.1 in) (Shubodai)
| Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| Of one figure, Gobujō, only the upper part of the body remains. The Ashura
of this group is among the most famous sculptures in Japan.
| Nara period
, 734
| , colored
| Standing Eight Legions: Ashura
, , Kinnara
, , , , Kendatsuba
, Garuda
| 153 cm (60.2 in) (Ashura), 48.8 cm (19.2 in) (fragments of Gobujō), 149.1 cm (58.7 in) (Kinnara), 153.6 cm (60.5 in) (Shakara), 156 cm (61.4 in) (Hibakara), 151.2 cm (59.5 in) (Kubanda), 160.3 cm (63.1 in) (Kendatsuba), 149.7 cm (58.9 in) (Garuda)
| Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Nara period
, 8th century
| , gold leaf over lacquer
| Standing Fukū Kensaku Kannon
| 362.1 cm (142.6 in)
| , Tōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| Principal image of the . One of three National Treasure Yakushi Nyorai at Hōryū-ji
. The others are located in the Kon-dō and in the .
| Nara period
, 8th century
| , gold leaf over lacquer
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai (healing Buddha)
| 244.5 cm (96.3 in)
| , Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Nara period
, 8th century
| , gold leaf over lacquer
| Seated Rushana Buddha
| 304.5 cm (119.9 in)
| Kon-dō , Tōshōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
| and
|
| Nara period
, 8th century
| Colored clay, cut-gold foil on clay
| Standing Nikkō Bosatsu
and Gakkō Bosatsu (Bodhisattva
s of sun and moon light)
| 206.3 cm (81.2 in) (Nikkō), 206.8 cm (81.4 in) (Gakkō)
| , Tōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Nara period
, 8th century
| Colored clay
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
| 160.6 cm (63.2 in) (Jikoku-ten), 165.4 cm (65.1 in) (Zōjō-ten), 162.7 cm (64.1 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 164.5 cm (64.8 in) (Tamon-ten)
| , Tōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
| |-
|
| Mentioned in the Nihon Ryōiki
as the statue which aided the priest Rōben
| Nara period
, mid 8th century
| Colored clay
| Standing Shukongōshin
| 173.9 cm (68.5 in)
| , Tōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
| The temple uses a different association of statues with names of the generals than the national treasure nomination. Here the temple scheme is used.
| Statues are placed in a circle surrounding Yakushi Nyorai. Oldest extant sculptures of the Twelve Heavenly Generals. One statue, , dated 1931 is excluded from the nomination. Each of the twelve statues' heads is adorned with one of the twelve animals of the zodiac.
| Nara period
, 729–749
| Colored clay
| Standing eleven of the Twelve Heavenly Generals
: , , , , , , , , , ,
| 162.9 cm (64.1 in) (Bazara), 154.2 cm (60.7 in) (Anira), 162.1 cm (63.8 in) (Bigyara), 170.1 cm (67 in) (Makora), 165.1 cm (65 in) (Kubira), 167.6 cm (66 in) (Shōtora), 165.5 cm (65.2 in) (Shintara), 161.8 cm (63.7 in) (Santera), 159.5 cm (62.8 in) (Meikira), 153.6 cm (60.5 in) (Antera), 155.2 cm (61.1 in) (Indara)
| Hon-dō , Shin-Yakushi-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| Four groups in the cardinal directions depicting scenes from the life of Buddha
| Nara period
, 711
| Colored clay, gold leaf over lacquer
| Total of 78 statues and two other objects: Miroku Bosatsu leaning against an elephant (S); seated Yuimakoji, seated Monju Bosatsu
and 14 attendants (E); (Shaka Nyorai) and 31 attendants (N); Gold coffin, reliquary and 29 attendants (W)
| 81 cm (31.9 in) (Miroku Bosatsu), 98 cm (38.6 in) (Shaka Nyorai), 45.2 cm (17.8 in) (Yuimakoji), 52.4 cm (20.6 in) (Monju Bosatsu), 25.6 cm (10.1 in) (gold coffin), 37.3 cm (14.7 in) (reliquary)
| , Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, around 873
| Colored clay
| Seated Dōsen
| 88.2 cm (34.7 in)
| , Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
|
| Oldest extant Miroku Bosatsu statue in Japan
| Asuka period
, second half of 7th century
| Clay, gold leaf over lacquer
| Seated Miroku Bosatsu
| 219.7 cm (86.5 in)
| Kon-dō , Taima-dera
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
| and
| Buddhist image for personal daily worship , dedicated by
| Asuka period
, end of 7th century
| Gilded bronze, yuga (油画) oil painting on wood for the shrine
| Seated Amida Nyorai and two standing attendants (Kannon and Seishi)
| 33.3 cm (13.1 in) (Amida), 27 cm (10.6 in) (each attendant)
| , Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
| or
| Influenced by Indian sculpture of the Gupta period
| Asuka period
, early 8th century
| Gilded bronze
| Standing Kannon
| 188.9 cm (74.4 in)
| , Yakushi-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
| or
| Its common name derives from the belief that the statue could change bad dreams into good dreams. Formerly the principal statue of the . One of four National Treasure standing Kannon Bosatsu statues at Hōryū-ji
. Two more are also in the , while the third Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined in the .
| Asuka period
, around 700
| Gilded bronze
| Standing Kannon
| 87 cm (34.3 in)
| , Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
|
| By Tori Busshi
. One of the most treasured pieces of early Japanese bronze sculpture. It is said to be modelled after Prince Shōtoku
.
| Asuka period
, 623
| Gilded bronze
| Seated Shaka Nyorai and two standing attendants
| 86.4 cm (34 in) (Shaka), 90.7 cm (35.7 in) (left att.), 92.4 cm (36.4 in) (right att.)
| Kon-dō, Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
| and
|
| Nara period
, second half of 8th century
| Gilded bronze
| Standing Shaka
at birth in ablution basin
| 47.5 cm (18.7 in) (Shaka), diameter of bowl: 89.4 cm (35.2 in)
| , Tōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| Former principal image in the of
| Asuka period
, 668
| Gilded bronze
| Buttō
| 98.3 cm (38.7 in)
| , Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| Yakushi Nyorai is placed on a 150 cm (59.1 in) high pedestal combining elements of different cultures of the world: grape-vine (Greek), lotus flower pattern (Mideast), crouching barbarians (India), dragon, tiger and tortoise (China). Unusually, the Yakushi does not carry a medicine pot in his hand.
| Nara period
, around 718
| Gilded bronze
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai (healing Buddha) and two standing attendants: Nikkō Bosatsu
and Gakkō Bosatsu (Bodhisattvas of sun and moon light)
| 254.7 cm (100.3 in) (Yakushi), 317.3 cm (124.9 in) (Nikkō), 315.3 cm (124.1 in) (Gakkō)
| Kon-dō, Yakushi-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| One of three National Treasure Yakushi Nyorai at Hōryū-ji
. The others are located in the and in the .
| Asuka period
, 607
| Gilded bronze
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai
| 63 cm (24.8 in)
| Kon-dō , Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
| or Great Buddha of Nara
| The largest statue in this list and the largest gilt bronze statue in the world, and the main hall of Tōdai-ji
, in which it is located, is the largest wooden structure in the world.
| Nara period
, 752. Head is a recast from the Edo period
, hands date to the Momoyama period
| Gilded bronze
| Seated Rushana Buddha
| 14.868m
| Kon-dō , Tōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
| |-
|
|
| Heian period
, 11th century
| Wooden tablets, , coloring, cut-gold foil on wood
| Standing Twelve Heavenly Generals
| 87.9 –
| , Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| Priest Gien was the founder of Oka-dera.
| Nara period
, 8th century
| , colored
| Seated Gien
| 93 cm (36.6 in)
| , Asuka
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Nara period
, 791
| , colored
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
| 138.2 cm (54.4 in) (Jikoku-ten), 136 cm (53.5 in) (Zōjō-ten), 139.1 cm (54.8 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 134.5 cm (53 in) (Tamon-ten)
| , Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Nara period
, second half of 8th century
| , gold leaf over lacquer
| Standing Jūichimen Kannon
| 209.1 cm (82.3 in)
| , , Sakurai
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Nara period
, second half of 8th century
| , gold leaf over lacquer
| Standing Thousand-armed Kannon
| 535.7 cm (210.9 in)
| Kon-dō, Tōshōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, 796–815
| , gold leaf over lacquer
| Standing Yakushi Nyorai
| 369.7 cm (145.6 in)
| Kon-dō, Tōshōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
| , ,
| Oldest statues of their kind in Japan
| Heian period
, 889–898
| Colored wood
| Seated Hachiman
, Empress Jingū and Nakatsuhime
| 38.8 cm (15.3 in) (Hachiman), 33.9 cm (13.3 in) (Jingū), 36.8 cm (14.5 in) (Nakatsuhime)
| , Yakushi-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
| and
| Tentoki attributed to , Ryūtoki by Kōben. Tentōki is a creature unique to Japan and Ryūtōki carries a lantern as offering to the Historical Buddha
.
| Kamakura period
, 1216
| Colored wood, crystal eyes
| Standing Tentōki (lantern on hand/shoulder) and Ryūtōki (lantern on head)
| 77.9 cm (30.7 in) (Tentōki), 77.3 cm (30.4 in) (Ryūtōki)
| Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
| and
| By Unkei
| Kamakura period
, 1208
| Colored wood, crystal eyes
| Standing Muchaku and Seshin.
| 193 cm (76 in) (Muchaku), 190.9 cm (75.2 in) (Seshin)
| , Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
| |-
| and
|
| Nara period
, second half of 8th century
| Colored wood
| Standing Bonten and standing Taishakuten
| 186.2 cm (73.3 in) (Bonten), 188.8 cm (74.3 in) (Taishakuten)
| Kon-dō, Tōshōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| Carved by Jōkei
over a period of 56 days and painted by Kōen in 50 days
| Kamakura period
, 1196
| Colored wood in assembled wood-block (yosegi) technique, crystal eyes
| Seated Yuima
| 88.6 cm (34.9 in)
| , Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
| or
| One of four National Treasure standing Kannon Bosatsu statues at Hōryū-ji
. Two more are also in the , while the third Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined in the .
| Tang Dynasty
, 7th century
| Sandalwood
,
| Standing Kannon
| 37.6 cm (14.8 in)
| , Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
| or
| One of four National Treasure standing Kannon Bosatsu statues at Hōryū-ji
. Two more are also in the , while the third Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined in the . It has been conjectured to be a work of Korean artisans.
| Asuka period
, mid 7th century
| Colored wood
| Standing Kannon
| 209.4 cm (82.4 in)
| , Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
| or
| Oldest extant wooden statue in Japan. One of four National Treasure standing Kannon Bosatsu statues at Hōryū-ji
. The others are located in the .
| Asuka period
, first half of 7th century, 620 or so
| Single block of camphor wood,
| Standing Kannon
| 178.8 cm (70.4 in)
| , Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
|
| Probably by a Kei school
sculptor
| Kamakura period
, 1251
| Wood, technique, crystal eyes
| Seated Tamayorihime
| 83 cm (32.7 in)
| Yoshino Mikumari Shrine
, Yoshino
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Kamakura period
, 1288
| Colored wood, crystal eyes
| Standing pair of Niō
: and
| 154 cm (60.6 in) (Agyō) and 153.7 cm (60.5 in) (Ungyō)
| , Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| By Kaikei
and Unkei
. There is another pair of Kongōrikishi (National Treasure) in , Tōdai-ji
.
| Kamakura period
, 1203
| Colored wood
| Standing pair of Niō
: and
| 836.3 cm (329.3 in) (Agyō) and 842.3 cm (331.6 in) (Ungyō)
| , Tōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
| |-
|
| By et al.
| Asuka period
, around 650
| Colored wood and cut-gold foil on wood
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
| 133.3 cm (52.5 in) (Jikoku-ten), 134.8 cm (53.1 in) (Zōjō-ten), 133.3 cm (52.5 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 134.2 cm (52.8 in) (Tamon-ten)
| Kon-dō, Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Nara period
, second half of 8th century
| Colored wood
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
| 185 cm (72.8 in) (Jikoku-ten), 187.2 cm (73.7 in) (Zōjō-ten), 186.3 cm (73.3 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 188.5 cm (74.2 in) (Tamon-ten)
| Kon-dō , Tōshōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| There are three sets of Four Heavenly Kings designated as National Treasure at Kōfuku-ji
. The others are located in the and .
| Heian period
, early 9th century
| Colored wood in single-block (ichiboku) technique and cut-gold foil on wood
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
| 162.5 cm (64 in) (Jikoku-ten), 161 cm (63.4 in) (Zōjō-ten), 164 cm (64.6 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 153 cm (60.2 in) (Tamon-ten)
| , Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| By Kōkei. There are three sets of Four Heavenly Kings designated as National Treasure at Kōfuku-ji
. The others are located in the and .
| Kamakura period
, 1189
| Colored wood
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
| 206.6 cm (81.3 in) (Jikoku-ten), 197.5 cm (77.8 in) (Zōjō-ten), 200 cm (78.7 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 197.2 cm (77.6 in) (Tamon-ten)
| , Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, 925–931
| Cherry wood, single tree, gold leaf over lacquer
| Seated Shaka Nyorai and two seated attendants.
| 227.9 cm (89.7 in) (Shaka), 155.7 cm (61.3 in) (left att.), 153.9 cm (60.6 in) (right att.)
| , Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, end of 8th century
| Colored wood
| Seated Shaka Nyorai
| 105.7 cm (41.6 in)
| , Murō-ji
, Uda
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, end of 9th century
| Colored wood
| Standing Shaka Nyorai
| 237.7 cm (93.6 in)
| Kon-dō, Murō-ji
, Uda
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, end of 9th century
| Colored wood
| Standing Jūichimen Kannon
| 195.1 cm (76.8 in)
| Kon-dō, Murō-ji
, Uda
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, first half of 9th century
| Wood,
| Standing Jūichimen Kannon
| 100 cm (39.4 in)
| Hon-dō, Hokke-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| Supposedly each of the statues was carved by a different sculptor
| Kamakura period
, 1207
| Colored wood and cut-gold foil on wood
| Standing Twelve Heavenly Generals
| 113 –
| , Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Kamakura period
, around 1206
| Colored hinoki wood
| Seated priest (Shunjō)
| 81.4 cm (32 in)
| , Tōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, 1121
| Colored wood and cut-gold foil on wood
| Seated Prince Shōtoku
flanked by four seated figures: younger brother , first son , priest Eji and
| 84.2 cm (33.1 in) (Shōtoku), 53.9 cm (21.2 in) (Eguri), 63.9 cm (25.2 in) (Yamashiro), 63.9 cm (25.2 in) (Eji), 52.4 cm (20.6 in) (Somaro)
| , Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
|
| By a sculptor of the school. Formerly the principal image of the
| Kamakura period
, around 1220
| Hinoki wood, gold leaf over lacquer , crystal eyes
| Standing Thousand-armed Kannon
| 520.5 cm (204.9 in)
| , Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| By Kaikei
| Kamakura period
, 1201
| Colored hinoki wood
| Seated Hachiman
| 87.1 cm (34.3 in)
| , Tōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| By Unkei
.
| Heian period
, 1176
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer , crystal eyes
| Seated Dainichi Nyorai
| 98.8 cm (38.9 in)
| Tahōtō
, Enjō-ji
, Nara
, Nara
| |-
|
|
| Heian period
, 9th century
| Wood
| Standing Jizō Bosatsu
| 172.7 cm (68 in)
| , Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
| and
|
| Heian period
, 1078
| Colored wood and cut-gold foil on wood
| Standing Jizō Bosatsu
| 123.2 cm (48.5 in) (Bishamonten), 116.7 cm (45.9 in) (Kichijōten)
| Kon-dō, Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
|
| By Kōkei
| Kamakura period
, 1189
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Seated Fukū Kensaku Kannon
| 341.5 cm (134.4 in)
| , Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| A work of a sculptor of the Kokei school
| Kamakura period
, 1196
| Colored hinoki wood in assembled wood-block (yosegi) technique, gold paint, crystal eyes
| Seated Monju Bosatsu
| 93.9 cm (37 in)
| , Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
| or
| It had been wrongly venerated as Nyoirin Kannon.
| Asuka period
, second half of 7th century
| Colored Camphorwood
| Nyoirin Kannon in half-lotus position
| 87 cm (34.3 in)
| Hon-dō, Chūgū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
|
| By Kōkei
| Kamakura period
, 1188–1189
| Colored hinoki wood, crystal eyes
| Six Patriarchs of the Hossō sect: , , , , ,
| 73.3 cm (28.9 in) (Jōtō), 81.2 cm (32 in) (Shinei), 83 cm (32.7 in) (Zenshu), 84.8 cm (33.4 in) (Genbō), 77.2 cm (30.4 in) (Genpin), 74.8 cm (29.4 in) (Gyōga)
| , Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
| By Unkei
| Kamakura period
, 1212
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Seated Miroku Bosatsu
| 141.5 cm (55.7 in)
| , Kōfuku-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, end of 10th century
| Hinoki wood, single tree, gold leaf over lacquer
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai (healing Buddha) and two seated attendants: Nikkō Bosatsu
and Gakkō Bosatsu (Bodhisattva
s of sun and moon light)
| 247.2 cm (97.3 in) (Yakushi), 172.1 cm (67.8 in) (each attendant)
| , Hōryū-ji
, Ikaruga
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, 9th century
| Colored Japanese nutmeg
wood, single tree
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai
| 49.7 cm (19.6 in)
| Nara National Museum
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, end of 8th century
| Japanese Nutmeg-yew wood, single tree,
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai
| 191.5 cm (75.4 in)
| Hon-dō , Shin-Yakushi-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, early 9th century
| Japanese nutmeg
wood, single tree,
| Standing Yakushi Nyorai
| 164.8 cm (64.9 in)
| Hon-dō , Gangō-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
, end of 9th century
| Colored hinoki wood, single tree
| Seated Rōben
| 92.4 cm (36.4 in)
| , Tōdai-ji
, Nara
, Nara
|
|-
| , , ,
|
| early Heian period
, 9th century
| Colored wood
| Four seated Shintō
gods: Hayatama, Fusumi, Ketsumiko, Kunitokotachi
| 101.2 cm (39.8 in) (Hayatama), 98.5 cm (38.8 in) (Fusumi), 81.2 cm (32 in) (Ketsumiko), 80.3 cm (31.6 in) (Kunitokotachi)
| Kumano Hayatama Taisha
, Shingū
, Wakayama
|
|-
|
| Brought back from China by Kūkai
| Tang Dynasty
, 8th century
| Sandalwood
,
| various Buddhist images
| 23.1 cm (9.1 in)
| , Kongōbu-ji
, Kōya
, Wakayama
|
|-
| and two
| Unusual combination of deities in this triad
| Heian period
, second half of 9th century
| Wood, single tree, gold leaf over lacquer
| Standing Thousand-armed Kannon and two standing Bodhisattva
s, believed to be Nikkō Bosatsu
and Gakkō Bosatsu (Bodhisattva
s of sun and moon light)
| 294.2 cm (115.8 in) (Kannon), 241.5 cm (95.1 in) (Nikkō), 242.4 cm (95.4 in) (Gakkō)
| , , Hidakagawa
, Wakayama
|
|-
|
| Only six of the eight statues date to the Kamakura period and are National Treasures. The remaining two were produced in the 14th century and are not included in this nomination. By Unkei
. Formerly enshrined in the
| Kamakura period
, 1197
| Colored hinoki wood, crystal eyes
| Six of the Eight Attendants of Fudō Myōō: , , , , ,
| 96.6 cm (38 in) (Ekō), 98.8 cm (38.9 in) (Eki), 95.1 cm (37.4 in) (Ukubaga), 97.1 cm (38.2 in) (Shōjō), 95.6 cm (37.6 in) (Kongara), 103 cm (40.6 in) (Seitaka)
| , Kongōbu-ji
, Kōya
, Wakayama
| |-
|
|
| Heian period
, 892
| Colored hinoki wood, single tree
| Seated Miroku Bosatsu
| 91 cm (35.8 in)
| Jison-in
, Kudoyama
, Wakayama
|
|-
|
| Only National Treasure sculptures of stone.
| late Heian period
–early Kamakura period
| Colored stone
| 59 statues in total in four groups. (i) : 13 statues; (ii) : 3 statues; (iii) , 1st cave: 25 statues (iv) Hoki group, 2nd cave: 18 statues
| 26.8 –
| Usuki
, Ōita
| |}
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
from Baekje
Baekje
Baekje or Paekche was a kingdom located in southwest Korea. It was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, together with Goguryeo and Silla....
to Japan resulted in a revival of Japanese sculpture
Japanese sculpture
The sculpture of Japan started from the clay figure. Japanese sculpture received the influence of the Silk Road culture in the 5th century, and received a strong influence from Chinese sculpture afterwards. The influence of the Western world was received since the Meiji era. The sculptures were...
. Buddhist monks, artisans and scholars settled around the capital in Yamato Province
Yamato Province
was a province of Japan, located in Kinai, corresponding to present-day Nara Prefecture in Honshū. It was also called . At first, the name was written with one different character , and for about ten years after 737, this was revised to use more desirable characters . The final revision was made in...
(present day Nara Prefecture
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
) and passed their techniques to native craftsmen. Consequently, early Japanese sculptures from the Asuka
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
and Hakuhō
Hakuhō period
The was an unofficial of Emperor Temmu after Hakuchi and before Suchō. The duration of this discrete non-nengō timespan lasted from 673 through 686.The Hakuhō period is more often used as a general term which describe a wider range of years....
periods show strong influences of continental art, which initially were characterized by almond-shaped eyes, upward-turned crescent-shaped lips and symmetrically arranged folds in the clothing. The workshop of the Japanese sculptor Tori Busshi
Tori Busshi
Tori Busshi was a Japanese sculptor active in the late 6th and early 7th century. He was from the Kuratsukuri clan, and his full title was Shiba no Kuratsukuri-be no Obito Tori Busshi ; Busshi is a title meaning "the maker of Buddhist images"...
, who was strongly influenced by the Northern Wei
Northern Wei
The Northern Wei Dynasty , also known as the Tuoba Wei , Later Wei , or Yuan Wei , was a dynasty which ruled northern China from 386 to 534 . It has been described as "part of an era of political turbulence and intense social and cultural change"...
style, produced works which exemplify such characteristics. The Shakyamuni triad and the Guze Kannon at Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
are prime examples. By the late 7th century, wood replaced bronze and copper. By the early Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
, greater realism was expressed by fuller forms, long narrow slit eyes, softer facial features, flowing garments and embellishments with ornaments such as bracelets and jewels. Two prominent examples of sculptures of this period are the Shō Kannon
Avalokitesvara
Avalokiteśvara is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. He is one of the more widely revered bodhisattvas in mainstream Mahayana Buddhism....
at Yakushi-ji
Yakushi-ji
is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, located in Nara. The temple is the headquarters of the Hossō school of Japanese Buddhism...
and the Yumechigai Kannon at Hōryū-ji.
During the Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, from 710 to 794, the government established and supported workshops called zōbussho, the most prominent of which was located in the capital Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
at Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, which produced Buddhist statuary. Clay, lacquer
Lacquer
In a general sense, lacquer is a somewhat imprecise term for a clear or coloured varnish that dries by solvent evaporation and often a curing process as well that produces a hard, durable finish, in any sheen level from ultra matte to high gloss and that can be further polished as required...
and wood, in addition to bronze, were used. Stylistically, the sculptures were influenced by the high Tang style, showing fuller body modelling, more natural drapery and a greater sense of movement. Representative examples of Nara period sculpture include the Great Buddha and the Four Heavenly Kings
Four Heavenly Kings
In the Buddhist faith, the Four Heavenly Kings are four gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world.The Kings are collectively named as follows:...
at Tōdai-ji, or the Eight Legions at Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
.
Early Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
works before the mid-10th century appear heavy compared to Nara period statues, carved from single blocks of wood, and characterised by draperies carved with alternating round and sharply cut folds. Stylistically, they followed high to later Tang style. In the Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
the zōbussho were replaced with temple-run and independent workshops; wood became the primary medium; and a specific Japanese style emerged. By the mid-10th century, the style was refined presenting a more calm and gentle appearance, with attenuated proportions. Jōchō
Jocho
Jōchō , also known as Jōchō Busshi, was a Japanese sculptor of the Heian period. He popularized the yosegi technique of sculpting a single figure out of many pieces of wood, and he redefined the canon used to create Buddhist imagery. His style spread across Japan and defined Japanese sculpture for...
was the most important sculptor of this time, and he used the yosegi technique, in which several pieces of wood are joined to sculpt a single figure. He was the ancestor of three important schools of Japanese Buddhist statuary: the Enpa, Inpa and Keiha school. The Amida Nyorai at Byōdō-in
Byodo-in
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. It is jointly a temple of the Jōdo-shū and Tendai-shū sects.- History :...
is the only extant work by Jōchō.
Japanese sculpture experienced a renaissance during the Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, led by the Kei school
Kei school
The ' was a Japanese school of Buddhist sculpture which emerged in the early Kamakura period . Based in Nara, it was the dominant school in Buddhist sculpture in Japan into the 14th century, and remained influential until the 19th...
. Partially influenced by Song Dynasty
Song Dynasty
The Song Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in China between 960 and 1279; it succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, and was followed by the Yuan Dynasty. It was the first government in world history to issue banknotes or paper money, and the first Chinese government to establish a...
China, their sculpture is characterised by realism featuring elaborate top knots, jewelry, and wavy drapery. Although predominantly wooden, bronze was also used as a material for the statues. As a novelty, portrait sculptures of prominent monks were created adjacent to the depiction of Buddhist deities.
The term "National Treasure
National treasures of Japan
National Treasures are the most precious of Japan's Tangible Cultural Properties, as determined and designated by the Agency for Cultural Affairs...
" has been used in Japan to denote cultural properties
Cultural Properties of Japan
As defined by the Japanese government's Agency for Cultural Affairs, the are tangible properties and intangible properties created or developed in JapanDespite the official definition, some Cultural Properties of Japan were created in China, Korea or other...
since 1897.
The definition and the criteria have changed since the inception of the term. These sculptures adhere to the current definition, and have been designated national treasures since the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties came into force on June 9, 1951. The items are selected by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Japan)
The , also known as MEXT or Monkashō, is one of the ministries of the Japanese government.The Meiji government created the first Ministry of Education in 1871....
based on their "especially high historical or artistic value". This list presents 126 entries of sculptures, including those from Classical and early Feudal Japan of the 7th-century Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
to the 13th-century Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, although the number of sculptures is higher, because, groups of related sculptures have sometimes been joined to form single entries. The sculptures listed depict Buddhist
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
and Shintō
Shinto
or Shintoism, also kami-no-michi, is the indigenous spirituality of Japan and the Japanese people. It is a set of practices, to be carried out diligently, to establish a connection between present day Japan and its ancient past. Shinto practices were first recorded and codified in the written...
deities or priests venerated as founders of temples. Some of the most ancient sculptures were imported directly from China.
Statistics
Various materials have been used for the sculptures. Although most are wooden, 11 entries in the list are bronze, 11 are lacquerLacquer
In a general sense, lacquer is a somewhat imprecise term for a clear or coloured varnish that dries by solvent evaporation and often a curing process as well that produces a hard, durable finish, in any sheen level from ultra matte to high gloss and that can be further polished as required...
, 7 are made of clay and 1 entry, the Usuki Stone Buddhas
Usuki Stone Buddhas
The are a collection of stone sculptures of Buddhas, in Usuki, Ōita Prefecture, Japan.-History:The Usuki Stone Buddhas were estimated to be carved during the 12th century, and consist of four groups of stone Buddhas...
, is a stone sculpture. Typically hinoki, Japanese nutmeg
Torreya nucifera
Torreya nucifera is a slow-growing, coniferous tree native to southern Japan and to South Korea's Jeju Island. It is also called ' or Japanese nutmeg-yew.-Description:It grows to 15-25 m tall with a trunk up to 1.5 m diameter...
, sandalwood
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is the name of a class of fragrant woods from trees in the genus Santalum. The woods are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and unlike many other aromatic woods they retain their fragrance for decades. As well as using the harvested and cut wood in-situ, essential oils are also extracted...
and camphorwood were the woods used for the wooden sculptures. Wooden sculptures were often lacquered or covered with gold-leaf. The smallest statue measures around 10 centimetres (3.9 in), whereas the Great Buddhas of Nara and Kamakura are about 13 metres (42.7 ft) and 15 metres (49.2 ft) high. The objects on the list are located in Buddhist temples, or in museums associated with temples. Some items are located in shrines, as well as in secular museums.
Nara Prefecture
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
is home to the largest number of National Treasure sculptures, with 70 of the 126 entries. Together with the 37 entries located in Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
, they constitute the bulk of sculptural National Treasures. Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
and Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
are the locations with the most entries, at 17 each.
Prefecture | City | National Treasures |
---|---|---|
Fukushima Fukushima Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tōhoku region on the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Fukushima.-History:Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Fukushima prefecture was known as Mutsu Province.... |
Yugawa Yugawa, Fukushima is a village located in Kawanuma District, Fukushima, Japan.As of 2003, the village has an estimated population of 3,615 and a population density of 220.97 persons per km². The total area is 16.36 km².... |
1 |
Hyōgo Hyogo Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region on Honshū island. The capital is Kobe.The prefecture's name was previously alternately spelled as Hiogo.- History :... |
Ono Ono, Hyogo is a city located in Hyōgo, Japan.As of April 30, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 50,522, with a household number of 18,724 and the density of 539.30 persons per km²... |
1 |
Iwate Iwate Prefecture is the second largest prefecture of Japan after Hokkaido. It is located in the Tōhoku region of Honshū island and contains the island's easternmost point. The capital is Morioka. Iwate has the lowest population density of any prefecture outside Hokkaido... |
Hiraizumi Hiraizumi, Iwate is a town located in Nishiiwai District, Iwate, Japan. It was the home of the Hiraizumi Fujiwaras for about 100 years in the late Heian era and most of the following Kamakura period. At the same time it served as the de facto capital of Oshu, an area containing nearly a third of the Japanese land... |
1 |
Kanagawa Kanagawa Prefecture is a prefecture located in the southern Kantō region of Japan. The capital is Yokohama. Kanagawa is part of the Greater Tokyo Area.-History:The prefecture has some archaeological sites going back to the Jōmon period... |
Kamakura Kamakura, Kanagawa is a city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, about south-south-west of Tokyo. It used to be also called .Although Kamakura proper is today rather small, it is often described in history books as a former de facto capital of Japan as the seat of the Shogunate and of the Regency during the... |
1 |
Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro.... |
Kizugawa Kizugawa, Kyoto is a city in southern Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The city was founded on March 12, 2007 by the merger of the towns of Kamo, Kizu and Yamashiro, all from Sōraku District. It is the southernmost city in the prefecture... |
3 |
Kyōtanabe Kyotanabe, Kyoto is a city located in the southern tip of Kyoto, Japan.As of 2008, the city has an estimated population of 65,274. The total area is 42.94 km².The city was founded on April 1, 1997, after the town of Tanabe was reorganized into the city of Kyōtanabe. The Kyō- was added to distinguish it from the... |
1 | |
Kyoto | 30 | |
Uji Uji, Kyoto is a city on the southern outskirts of the city of Kyoto, in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Founded on March 1, 1951, Uji is located between the two ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto. The city sits on the Uji River, which has its source in Lake Biwa. As of April 1, 2008, Uji has an estimated population... |
3 | |
Nara Nara Prefecture is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture.... |
Asuka Asuka, Nara is a village located in Takaichi District, Nara, Japan.As of September 1, 2007, the village has an estimated population of 6,146 and a density of 255.23 persons per km². The total area is 24.08 km².Asuka is the land where ancient palaces were located... |
1 |
Ikaruga Ikaruga, Nara is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji.... |
18 | |
Nara Nara, Nara is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture... |
46 | |
Sakurai Sakurai, Nara is a city in Nara, Japan.As of 2007, the city had an estimated population of 63,321 with a density of 630.01 persons per km². The total area is 98.92 km².The city was founded on September 1, 1956.... |
1 | |
Uda Uda, Nara is a city located in northeastern Nara, Japan.On January 1, 2006, the towns of Haibara, Ōuda and Utano, and the village of Murō, all from Uda District, were merged to form Uda City. As of December 29, 2005 the population was 38,648 people. The total area is 247.62 km².Each former town became a ward... |
3 | |
Yoshino Yoshino, Nara is a town located in Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, Japan.As of September 1, 2007, the town had an estimated population of 9397 and a density of 97.93 persons per km². The total area was 95.65 km².-Geography:... |
1 | |
Ōita Oita Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan on Kyūshū Island. The prefectural capital is the city of Ōita.- History :Around the 6th century Kyushu consisted of four regions: Tsukushi-no-kuni 筑紫国, Hi-no-kuni 肥国, and Toyo no kuni... |
Usuki Usuki, Oita is a city located on the east coast of Ōita Prefecture, Japan. It is famous for its Usuki Stone Buddhas, a national treasure, and its soy sauce production. Recently it has become known for having the look and feel of a Japanese castle town... |
1 |
Osaka Osaka Prefecture is a prefecture located in the Kansai region on Honshū, the main island of Japan. The capital is the city of Osaka. It is the center of Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto area.- History :... |
Fujiidera Fujiidera, Osaka is a city located in Osaka, Japan.-History:In 1959 the townships of Fujiidera-cho and Domyoji-cho merged to create Fujiidera-Domyoji-cho. A year later, the town was renamed Misasagi-cho... |
2 |
Katano Katano, Osaka is a city located in Osaka, Japan.As of 2010, the city has an estimated population of 77,680 and the density of 3,040 persons per km². The total area is 25.55 km².The city was founded on November 3, 1971.-Railways:*Keihan Electric Railway... |
1 | |
Kawachinagano Kawachinagano, Osaka is a city located in Osaka, Japan.As of 2010, the city has an estimated population of 112,696 and the density of 1,030 persons per km². The total area is 109.61 km².The city was founded on April 1, 1954.-Claims to fame:... |
1 | |
Shiga Shiga Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan, which forms part of the Kansai region on Honshu Island. The capital is the city of Ōtsu.- History :Shiga was known as Ōmi Province or Gōshū before the prefectural system was established... |
Ōtsu Otsu, Shiga is the capital city of Shiga, Japan. The city was founded on October 1, 1898. As of October 1, 2010, the city has an estimated population of 338,629 with an average age of 40.7 years and a population density of 905.28 persons per km²... |
3 |
Takatsuki Takatsuki, Shiga was a town located in Ika District, Shiga, Japan.As of 2003, the town had an estimated population of 10,411 and a population density of 368.27 persons per km². The total area was 28.27 km².... |
1 | |
Tokyo Tokyo , ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family... |
Tokyo Tokyo , ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family... |
1 |
Wakayama Wakayama Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located on the Kii Peninsula in the Kansai region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Wakayama.- History :Present-day Wakayama is mostly the western part of the province of Kii.- 1953 Wakayama Prefecture flood disaster :... |
Hidakagawa Hidakagawa, Wakayama is a town in Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. It resulted from the May 2005 merger of the town of Kawabe and the villages of Nakatsu and Miyama. As of January 1, 2007, Hidakagawa has a population of 11,478 and an area of 331.61 km² for a population density of 34.613 people per... |
1 |
Kōya Koya, Wakayama is a town located on a plateau atop Mt. Koya in Ito District, Wakayama, Japan. The town is known as the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism.... |
2 | |
Kudoyama Kudoyama, Wakayama is a town located in Ito District, Wakayama, Japan.As of 2003, the town has an estimated population of 5,801 and a density of 131.27 persons per km². The total area is 44.19 km².-External links:*... |
1 | |
Shingū Shingu, Wakayama is a city located in Wakayama, Japan.As of May 1, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 32,288, with a household number of 16,003, and the density of 126.41 persons per km². The total area is 255.43 km².... |
1 |
Period | National Treasures |
---|---|
Asuka period Asuka period The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period... |
14 |
Tang Dynasty Tang Dynasty The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire... |
3 |
Nara period Nara period The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784... |
26 |
Heian period Heian period The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height... |
60 |
Northern Song | 1 |
Kamakura period Kamakura period The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo.... |
23 |
Usage
The table's columns (except for Remarks and Pictures) are sortable pressing the arrows symbols. The following gives an overview of what is included in the table and how the sorting works.- Name: name as registered in the List of National Treasures
- Remarks: placement of statues (as a group, separately,...) and artist (if known)
- Date: period and year; The column entries sort by year. If only a period is known, they sort by the start year of that period.
- Material and technique: wood/bronze/..., lacquered/colored/...; The column entries sort by the main material (stone/clay/wood/lacquer/bronze).
- Pose: standing/seated Amida Nyorai/Yakushi Nyorai/...; The column entries sort by the name of the principal image or as "set" in the case of sets of sculptures that don't fall under a common group name.
- Height: height in cm; The column entries sort by the largest height if an entry is a group of statues.
- Present location: "building-name temple/museum/shrine-name town-name prefecture-name"; The column entries sort as "prefecture-name town-name temple/museum/shrine-name building-name".
- Image: picture of the statue or a characteristic statue in a group of statues
Treasures
Name | Remarks | Date | Material | Pose | Height | Present location | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
32 statues in the three altars and another seated Amida Nyorai with fragments of a wooden halo-pedestal. The three canopies of the altars are part of the nomination. | Heian period Heian period The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height... , around 1124–1187 |
katsura Katsura (tree) Cercidiphyllum is a genus containing two species of plants, both commonly called Katsura. They are the sole members of the monotypic family Cercidiphyllaceae. The genus is native to Japan and China.... for the Jizō and Nitennō); lacquer with gold leaf embossing |
Joined wood-block sculpture (Hinoki wood for the Amida, Jizō Bosatsu Ksitigarbha Ksitigarbha is a bodhisattva primarily revered in East Asian Buddhism, usually depicted as a Buddhist monk in the Orient. The name may be translated as "Earth Treasury", "Earth Store", "Earth Matrix", or "Earth Womb"... |
Three seated Amida Nyorai, three sets of Amida attendants (Kannon and Seishi), three sets of Nitennō, 18 50 – | Chūson-ji Chuson-ji Chūson-ji is a Buddhist temple in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. It is the head temple of the Tendai sect in Tōhoku . The Tendai sect claims that the temple was founded in 850 by Ennin, the third chief abbot of the sect, but most scholars believe that Chūson-ji was founded by Fujiwara no... , Hiraizumi Hiraizumi, Iwate is a town located in Nishiiwai District, Iwate, Japan. It was the home of the Hiraizumi Fujiwaras for about 100 years in the late Heian era and most of the following Kamakura period. At the same time it served as the de facto capital of Oshu, an area containing nearly a third of the Japanese land... , Iwate Iwate Prefecture is the second largest prefecture of Japan after Hokkaido. It is located in the Tōhoku region of Honshū island and contains the island's easternmost point. The capital is Morioka. Iwate has the lowest population density of any prefecture outside Hokkaido... |
, ||
Heian period Heian period The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height... , c. 806–810 |
Zelkova Zelkova Zelkova is a genus of six species of deciduous trees in the elm family Ulmaceae, native to southern Europe, and southwest and eastern Asia. They vary in size from shrubs to large trees up to 35 m tall . The leaves are alternate, with serrated margins, and a symmetrical base to the leaf blade... wood, gold leaf over lacquer |
Nikkō Bosatsu Nikko bosatsu Suryaprabha Bodhisattva, or Nikkō Bosatsu in Japanese, is a bodhisattva whose specialty is sunlight and good health. Nikkō is often seen with Gakkō Bosatsu , as the two siblings serve Yakushi or the Medicine Buddha... and Gakkō Bosatsu (Bodhisattva Bodhisattva In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is either an enlightened existence or an enlightenment-being or, given the variant Sanskrit spelling satva rather than sattva, "heroic-minded one for enlightenment ." The Pali term has sometimes been translated as "wisdom-being," although in modern publications, and... s of sun and moon light) |
Seated Yakushi Nyorai (healing Buddha) flanked by standing 141.8 cm (55.8 in) (Yakushi), 169.4 cm (66.7 in), 173.9 cm (68.5 in) | Yugawa Yugawa, Fukushima is a village located in Kawanuma District, Fukushima, Japan.As of 2003, the village has an estimated population of 3,615 and a population density of 220.97 persons per km². The total area is 16.36 km².... , Fukushima Fukushima Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tōhoku region on the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Fukushima.-History:Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Fukushima prefecture was known as Mutsu Province.... |
, |||
Heian period Heian period The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height... , first half of 12th century |
Colored wood and cut-gold foil on wood | Fugen Bosatsu Samantabhadra Samantabhadra , is a bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism associated with Buddhist practice and meditation. Together with Shakyamuni Buddha and fellow bodhisattva Manjusri he forms the Shakyamuni trinity in Buddhism... on elephant |
Seated statue of 140 cm (55.1 in) (whole sculpture), 55.2 cm (21.7 in) (statue) | Tokyo Tokyo , ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family... |
, |||
Outdoor statue cast by Hisatomo Tanji and Gorōemon Ohno. The second largest statue in the list. | Kamakura period Kamakura period The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo.... , 1252 |
Bronze cast, gold leaf over lacquer | Seated Amida Nyorai | 13.35 m (43.8 ft), 93 t (91.5 LT) | Kōtoku-in Kotoku-in is a Buddhist temple of the Jōdo-shū sect in the city of Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.The temple is renowned for its , a monumental outdoor bronze statue of Amida Buddha which is one of the most famous icons of Japan.- The Great Buddha :... , Kamakura Kamakura, Kanagawa is a city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, about south-south-west of Tokyo. It used to be also called .Although Kamakura proper is today rather small, it is often described in history books as a former de facto capital of Japan as the seat of the Shogunate and of the Regency during the... , Kanagawa Kanagawa Prefecture is a prefecture located in the southern Kantō region of Japan. The capital is Yokohama. Kanagawa is part of the Greater Tokyo Area.-History:The prefecture has some archaeological sites going back to the Jōmon period... |
||
Heian period Heian period The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height... , mid-9th century |
Colored wood | Standing Jūichimen Kannon | 177.3 cm (69.8 in) | Takatsuki, Shiga was a town located in Ika District, Shiga, Japan.As of 2003, the town had an estimated population of 10,411 and a population density of 368.27 persons per km². The total area was 28.27 km².... , Shiga Shiga Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan, which forms part of the Kansai region on Honshu Island. The capital is the city of Ōtsu.- History :Shiga was known as Ōmi Province or Gōshū before the prefectural system was established... |
' onMouseout='HidePop("75113")' href="/topics/Takatsuki,_Shiga">Takatsuki|||
Statue of Mii-dera Mii-dera ', formally called ', is a Buddhist temple located at the foot of Mount Hiei, in the city of Ōtsu, in Shiga Prefecture. It is only a short distance from both Kyoto, and Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. The head temple of the Tendai Jimon sect, it is something of a sister temple to Enryakuji, at... 's guardian deity |
Heian period Heian period The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height... , 11th century |
Colored wood and cut-gold foil on wood |
| 78 cm (30.7 in)
| , Mii-dera
Mii-dera
', formally called ', is a Buddhist temple located at the foot of Mount Hiei, in the city of Ōtsu, in Shiga Prefecture. It is only a short distance from both Kyoto, and Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. The head temple of the Tendai Jimon sect, it is something of a sister temple to Enryakuji, at...
, Ōtsu
Otsu, Shiga
is the capital city of Shiga, Japan. The city was founded on October 1, 1898. As of October 1, 2010, the city has an estimated population of 338,629 with an average age of 40.7 years and a population density of 905.28 persons per km²...
, Shiga
Shiga Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan, which forms part of the Kansai region on Honshu Island. The capital is the city of Ōtsu.- History :Shiga was known as Ōmi Province or Gōshū before the prefectural system was established...
|
|-
| or
|
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 9th century
| Colored wood
| Seated Chishō Daishi (Enchin
Enchin
' was a Japanese Buddhist monk the founder of the Jimon School of Tendai Buddhism, and Chief Abbot of Miidera at the foot of Mount Hiei...
)
| 86.3 cm (34 in)
| , Mii-dera
Mii-dera
', formally called ', is a Buddhist temple located at the foot of Mount Hiei, in the city of Ōtsu, in Shiga Prefecture. It is only a short distance from both Kyoto, and Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. The head temple of the Tendai Jimon sect, it is something of a sister temple to Enryakuji, at...
, Ōtsu
Otsu, Shiga
is the capital city of Shiga, Japan. The city was founded on October 1, 1898. As of October 1, 2010, the city has an estimated population of 338,629 with an average age of 40.7 years and a population density of 905.28 persons per km²...
, Shiga
Shiga Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan, which forms part of the Kansai region on Honshu Island. The capital is the city of Ōtsu.- History :Shiga was known as Ōmi Province or Gōshū before the prefectural system was established...
|
|-
| or
|
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 10th century
| Colored wood
| Seated Chishō Daishi (Enchin
Enchin
' was a Japanese Buddhist monk the founder of the Jimon School of Tendai Buddhism, and Chief Abbot of Miidera at the foot of Mount Hiei...
)
| 84.3 cm (33.2 in)
| , Mii-dera
Mii-dera
', formally called ', is a Buddhist temple located at the foot of Mount Hiei, in the city of Ōtsu, in Shiga Prefecture. It is only a short distance from both Kyoto, and Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. The head temple of the Tendai Jimon sect, it is something of a sister temple to Enryakuji, at...
, Ōtsu
Otsu, Shiga
is the capital city of Shiga, Japan. The city was founded on October 1, 1898. As of October 1, 2010, the city has an estimated population of 338,629 with an average age of 40.7 years and a population density of 905.28 persons per km²...
, Shiga
Shiga Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan, which forms part of the Kansai region on Honshu Island. The capital is the city of Ōtsu.- History :Shiga was known as Ōmi Province or Gōshū before the prefectural system was established...
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| Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
, beginning of 8th century
| Gilt
Gilding
The term gilding covers a number of decorative techniques for applying fine gold leaf or powder to solid surfaces such as wood, stone, or metal to give a thin coating of gold. A gilded object is described as "gilt"...
bronze
| Seated Shakyamuni (Shaka Nyorai)
| 240.3 cm (94.6 in)
| Hon-dō, , Kizugawa
Kizugawa, Kyoto
is a city in southern Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The city was founded on March 12, 2007 by the merger of the towns of Kamo, Kizu and Yamashiro, all from Sōraku District. It is the southernmost city in the prefecture...
, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, second half of 8th century
| Wood-core dry lacquer , gold leaf over lacquer
| Standing Jūichimen Kannon
| 172.7 cm (68 in)
| Hon-dō, , Kyōtanabe
Kyotanabe, Kyoto
is a city located in the southern tip of Kyoto, Japan.As of 2008, the city has an estimated population of 65,274. The total area is 42.94 km².The city was founded on April 1, 1997, after the town of Tanabe was reorganized into the city of Kyōtanabe. The Kyō- was added to distinguish it from the...
, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| or Wind God and Thunder God
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| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, mid-13th century
| Colored wood and crystal eyes
| Standing Fūjin
Fujin
is the Japanese god of the wind and one of the eldest Shinto gods.He is portrayed as a terrifying dark demon, resembling a red headed black humanoid wearing a leopard skin, carrying a large bag of winds on his shoulders....
and standing Raijin
Raijin
is a god of lightning, thunder and storms in the Shinto religion and in Japanese mythology.His name is derived from the Japanese words rai and shin . He is typically depicted as a demon beating drums to create thunder, usually with the symbol tomoe drawn on the drums...
| 111.5 cm (43.9 in) (Fūjin) and 100 cm (39.4 in) (Raijin)
| Sanjūsangen-dō
Sanjusangen-do
is a Buddhist temple in Higashiyama District of Kyoto, Japan. Officially known as "Rengeō-in" , or Hall of the Lotus King, Sanjūsangen-dō belongs to and is run by the Myoho-in temple, a part of the Tendai school of Buddhism. The temple name literally means Hall with thirty three spaces between...
, , Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| and
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 839
| Colored wood (faded)
| Seated Bonten on a lotus pedestal carried by four geese and Taishakuten
Indra
' or is the King of the demi-gods or Devas and Lord of Heaven or Svargaloka in Hindu mythology. He is also the God of War, Storms, and Rainfall.Indra is one of the chief deities in the Rigveda...
seated on an elephant in half-lotus position
| 101.1 cm (39.8 in) (Bonten) and 110 cm (43.3 in)
| , Tō-ji
To-ji
is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto, Japan. Its name means East Temple, and it once had a partner, Sai-ji . They stood alongside the Rashomon, the gate to the Heian capital. It is formally known as which indicates that it previously functioned as a temple providing protection for the...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 1148
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Sitting Amida Nyorai and two sitting attendants (Kannon and Seishi)
| 233 cm (91.7 in) (Amida), 131.8 cm (51.9 in) (Kannon) and 130.9 cm (51.5 in) (Seishi)
| , Sanzen-in
Sanzen-in
is a Tendai school monzeki temple in Ōhara, Kyoto, Japan. The Heian period triad of Amida Nyorai flanked by attendants is a National Treasure.-External links:...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Former principal image of
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 896
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Sitting Amida Nyorai and two sitting attendants (Kannon and Seishi)
| 172.2 cm (67.8 in) (Amida), 165.7 cm (65.2 in) (Kannon) and 168.2 cm (66.2 in) (Seishi)
| Seiryō-ji
Seiryō-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the Saga district of Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It is also known as Saga Shaka-dō. It is devoted to the practice of Yūzū Nenbutsu. Initially, the temple belonged to the Kegon sect; then it became a Pure Land temple. The honzon is an image of Gautama Buddha . The wooden statue is...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Originally enshrined in the kon-dō
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 888
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Sitting Amida Nyorai and two standing attendants (Kannon and Seishi)
| 88.6 cm (34.9 in) (Amida), 123.4 cm (48.6 in) (Kannon) and 123.3 cm (48.5 in) (Seishi)
| , Ninna-ji
Ninna-ji
is the head temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism. Located in western Kyoto, Japan, it was founded in AD 888 by the retired Emperor Uda. It is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto", a UNESCO World Heritage Site.-History:...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, end of 11th century
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Sitting Amida Nyorai
| 280 cm (110.2 in)
| , , Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 840
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Sitting Amida Nyorai
| 263.6 cm (103.8 in)
| , Kōryū-ji
Koryu-ji
is a Shingon temple in Uzumasa, Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple is also known by the names and , and was formerly known as , and .Kōryū-ji is said to be the oldest temple in Kyoto, having been constructed in 603 by Hata no Kawakatsu upon receiving a Buddhist statue from Prince Shōtoku...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Nine statues representing the nine stages of nirvana
Nirvana
Nirvāṇa ; ) is a central concept in Indian religions. In sramanic thought, it is the state of being free from suffering. In Hindu philosophy, it is the union with the Supreme being through moksha...
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, around 1100
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| One central sitting Amida Nyorai flanked by four sitting Amida Nyorai on both sides
| 224.2 cm (88.3 in) (central), 138.8 – (others)
| Hon-dō, , Kizugawa
Kizugawa, Kyoto
is a city in southern Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The city was founded on March 12, 2007 by the merger of the towns of Kamo, Kizu and Yamashiro, all from Sōraku District. It is the southernmost city in the prefecture...
, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| The principal image in the Phoenix Hall of Byōdō-in
Byodo-in
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. It is jointly a temple of the Jōdo-shū and Tendai-shū sects.- History :...
and only extant work by Jōchō
Jocho
Jōchō , also known as Jōchō Busshi, was a Japanese sculptor of the Heian period. He popularized the yosegi technique of sculpting a single figure out of many pieces of wood, and he redefined the canon used to create Buddhist imagery. His style spread across Japan and defined Japanese sculpture for...
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 1053
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Sitting Amida Nyorai
| 283.9 cm (111.8 in)
| , Byōdō-in
Byodo-in
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. It is jointly a temple of the Jōdo-shū and Tendai-shū sects.- History :...
, Uji
Uji, Kyoto
is a city on the southern outskirts of the city of Kyoto, in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Founded on March 1, 1951, Uji is located between the two ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto. The city sits on the Uji River, which has its source in Lake Biwa. As of April 1, 2008, Uji has an estimated population...
, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Thought to accompany departed believers to Amida's Pure Land.
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 1053
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer , colored, partially cut-gold foil on wood
| 52 Bosatsu on clouds attached to the wall
| 40 –
| , Byōdō-in
Byodo-in
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. It is jointly a temple of the Jōdo-shū and Tendai-shū sects.- History :...
, Uji
Uji, Kyoto
is a city on the southern outskirts of the city of Kyoto, in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Founded on March 1, 1951, Uji is located between the two ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto. The city sits on the Uji River, which has its source in Lake Biwa. As of April 1, 2008, Uji has an estimated population...
, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Formerly enshrined in the
| Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
, 9th century
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer , colored,
| Standing Bishamonten
Vaisravana
' or ' also known as Jambhala in Tibet and Bishamonten in Japan is the name of the chief of the Four Heavenly Kings and an important figure in Buddhist mythology.-Names:...
| 189.4 cm (74.6 in)
| , Tō-ji
To-ji
is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto, Japan. Its name means East Temple, and it once had a partner, Sai-ji . They stood alongside the Rashomon, the gate to the Heian capital. It is formally known as which indicates that it previously functioned as a temple providing protection for the...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Five almost identical Great Kokūzō Bosatsu are enshrined in the two-storied pagoda.
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 9th century
| Colored wood
| Five sitting Kokūzō Bosatsu (Akasagarbha
Akasagarbha
Ākāśagarbha Bodhisattva is one of the eight great bodhisattvas. His name can be translated as "boundless space treasury" or "void store" as his wisdom is said to be boundless as space itself...
)
| 94.2 –
| Tahōtō
Tahōtō
A is a form of Japanese pagoda found primarily at Esoteric Shingon and Tendai school Buddhist temples. It is unique among pagodas because it has an even number of stories...
, Jingo-ji
Jingo-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto. It stands on Mount Takao to the northwest of the center of the city. The temple adheres to Shingon Buddhism. Its honzon is a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing or "Medicine Buddha"....
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| The central figure is excluded from the nomination being a later work.
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 839
| Wood
| Four seated Bosatsu
Bodhisattva
In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is either an enlightened existence or an enlightenment-being or, given the variant Sanskrit spelling satva rather than sattva, "heroic-minded one for enlightenment ." The Pali term has sometimes been translated as "wisdom-being," although in modern publications, and...
| 96.4 cm (38 in)
| , Tō-ji
To-ji
is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto, Japan. Its name means East Temple, and it once had a partner, Sai-ji . They stood alongside the Rashomon, the gate to the Heian capital. It is formally known as which indicates that it previously functioned as a temple providing protection for the...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 839
| Colored wood
| Five Wisdom Kings: sitting Acala
Acala
In Vajrayana Buddhism, Ācala is the best known of the Five Wisdom Kings of the Womb Realm. He is also known as Ācalanātha, Āryācalanātha, Ācala-vidyā-rāja and . The Sanskrit term ācala means "immovable"; Ācala is also the name of the eighth of the ten completion stages of the Bodhisattva path...
, standing Trilokavijaya, Kundali
Kundali
Kundali is an Indian-produced television soap opera that originally aired on Metro Gold under DD Metro in 2002. After the channel closed, the series was taken over by STAR Plus, and aired from the beginning...
and Vajrayaksa, Yamantaka riding a bull
| 173 cm (68.1 in) (Acala), 174 cm (68.5 in) (Trilokavijaya), 201 cm (79.1 in) (Kundali), 143 cm (56.3 in) (Yamantaka), 172 cm (67.7 in) (Vajrayaksa)
| , Tō-ji
To-ji
is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto, Japan. Its name means East Temple, and it once had a partner, Sai-ji . They stood alongside the Rashomon, the gate to the Heian capital. It is formally known as which indicates that it previously functioned as a temple providing protection for the...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| By
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1233
| Colored wood, crystal eyes
| Seated Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai
Kukai
Kūkai , also known posthumously as , 774–835, was a Japanese monk, civil servant, scholar, poet, and artist, founder of the Shingon or "True Word" school of Buddhism. Shingon followers usually refer to him by the honorific titles of and ....
)
| 69 cm (27.2 in)
| , Tō-ji
To-ji
is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto, Japan. Its name means East Temple, and it once had a partner, Sai-ji . They stood alongside the Rashomon, the gate to the Heian capital. It is formally known as which indicates that it previously functioned as a temple providing protection for the...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| late Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 11th–12th century
| Colored wood and cut-gold foil on wood
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
Four Heavenly Kings
In the Buddhist faith, the Four Heavenly Kings are four gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world.The Kings are collectively named as follows:...
| 169.7 cm (66.8 in) (Jikoku-ten), 169.7 cm (66.8 in) (Zōjō-ten), 168.8 cm (66.5 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 167 cm (65.7 in) (Tamon-ten)
| , Kizugawa
Kizugawa, Kyoto
is a city in southern Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The city was founded on March 12, 2007 by the merger of the towns of Kamo, Kizu and Yamashiro, all from Sōraku District. It is the southernmost city in the prefecture...
, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 839
| Wood
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
Four Heavenly Kings
In the Buddhist faith, the Four Heavenly Kings are four gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world.The Kings are collectively named as follows:...
| 183 cm (72 in) (Jikoku-ten), 184.2 cm (72.5 in) (Zōjō-ten), 171.8 cm (67.6 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 197.9 cm (77.9 in) (Tamon-ten)
| , Tō-ji
To-ji
is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto, Japan. Its name means East Temple, and it once had a partner, Sai-ji . They stood alongside the Rashomon, the gate to the Heian capital. It is formally known as which indicates that it previously functioned as a temple providing protection for the...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| and objects found within the statue
| Copy of lost Udayana Buddha by the Chinese sculptors and brothers Zhāng Yánjiǎo and Zhāng Yánxí. Brought to Japan from China in 986 by the monk . Includes a model of the internal organs, made of silk and other materials, a paper with the seal of Chōnen and other items. Inscription of repair dated 1218
| Northern Song, 985
| Wood, , cut-gold foil on wood
| Standing Shakyamuni (Shaka Nyorai)
| 160 cm (63 in)
| Hon-dō, Seiryō-ji
Seiryō-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the Saga district of Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan. It is also known as Saga Shaka-dō. It is devoted to the practice of Yūzū Nenbutsu. Initially, the temple belonged to the Kegon sect; then it became a Pure Land temple. The honzon is an image of Gautama Buddha . The wooden statue is...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 951
| Wood
| Standing Jūichimen Kannon
| 258 cm (101.6 in)
| Hon-dō, Rokuharamitsu-ji
Rokuharamitsu-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Founded by Kūya in 951, the Hondō was burned during the wars at the end of the Heian period. Its replacement of 1363, damaged during the Meiji period, was restored in 1969...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| By
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 1064
| Colored wood
| Standing Twelve Heavenly Generals
| 123 cm (48.4 in) (Kumbhira), 115.1 cm (45.3 in) (Andira)
| , Kōryū-ji
Koryu-ji
is a Shingon temple in Uzumasa, Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple is also known by the names and , and was formerly known as , and .Kōryū-ji is said to be the oldest temple in Kyoto, having been constructed in 603 by Hata no Kawakatsu upon receiving a Buddhist statue from Prince Shōtoku...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| The principal image of Sanjūsangen-dō
Sanjusangen-do
is a Buddhist temple in Higashiyama District of Kyoto, Japan. Officially known as "Rengeō-in" , or Hall of the Lotus King, Sanjūsangen-dō belongs to and is run by the Myoho-in temple, a part of the Tendai school of Buddhism. The temple name literally means Hall with thirty three spaces between...
. By Tankei
Tankei
Tankei was a Japanese sculptor of the Kei school, which flourished in the Kamakura period. He was the student of and son of the master sculptor Unkei.-Famous Works:...
.
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1251–1254
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer , crystal eyes
| Seated Thousand-armed Kannon
| 334.8 cm (131.8 in)
| Sanjūsangen-dō
Sanjusangen-do
is a Buddhist temple in Higashiyama District of Kyoto, Japan. Officially known as "Rengeō-in" , or Hall of the Lotus King, Sanjūsangen-dō belongs to and is run by the Myoho-in temple, a part of the Tendai school of Buddhism. The temple name literally means Hall with thirty three spaces between...
, , Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, around 934
| Colored wood (faded)
| Standing Thousand-armed Kannon
| 109.7 cm (43.2 in)
| Hosshō-ji
Hossho-ji
is a Buddhist temple in northeastern Kyoto, Japan, endowed by Emperor Shirakawa in fulfillment of a sacred vow. The temple complex was located east of the Kamo River in the Shirakawa district; and its chief architectural feature was a nine-storied octagonal pagoda.Hosshō-ji is known as one of the...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, before 873
| Colored wood (faded)
| Standing Thousand-armed Kannon
| 266 cm (104.7 in)
| , Kōryū-ji
Koryu-ji
is a Shingon temple in Uzumasa, Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple is also known by the names and , and was formerly known as , and .Kōryū-ji is said to be the oldest temple in Kyoto, having been constructed in 603 by Hata no Kawakatsu upon receiving a Buddhist statue from Prince Shōtoku...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| and two
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 9th century
| hinoki wood-core dry lacquer , painted or gilded
| Seated Hachiman
Hachiman
In Japanese mythology, is the Japanese syncretic god of archery and war, incorporating elements from both Shinto and Buddhism. Although often called the god of war, he is more correctly defined as the tutelary god of warriors. He is also divine protector of Japan and the Japanese people...
and two seated attendant goddesses
| c. 110 cm (43.3 in) each
| Tō-ji
To-ji
is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto, Japan. Its name means East Temple, and it once had a partner, Sai-ji . They stood alongside the Rashomon, the gate to the Heian capital. It is formally known as which indicates that it previously functioned as a temple providing protection for the...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 1053
| Wood
| n/a
|
| , Byōdō-in
Byodo-in
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. It is jointly a temple of the Jōdo-shū and Tendai-shū sects.- History :...
, Uji
Uji, Kyoto
is a city on the southern outskirts of the city of Kyoto, in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Founded on March 1, 1951, Uji is located between the two ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto. The city sits on the Uji River, which has its source in Lake Biwa. As of April 1, 2008, Uji has an estimated population...
, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, mid 13th century
| Colored wood (faded) and cut-gold foil on wood, crystal eyes
| Standing 28 attendants of the .
| 153.6 –
| Sanjūsangen-dō
Sanjusangen-do
is a Buddhist temple in Higashiyama District of Kyoto, Japan. Officially known as "Rengeō-in" , or Hall of the Lotus King, Sanjūsangen-dō belongs to and is run by the Myoho-in temple, a part of the Tendai school of Buddhism. The temple name literally means Hall with thirty three spaces between...
, , Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 1127
| Wood,
| Bishamonten
Vaisravana
' or ' also known as Jambhala in Tibet and Bishamonten in Japan is the name of the chief of the Four Heavenly Kings and an important figure in Buddhist mythology.-Names:...
accompanied by his wife Kichijōten and her son Zennishi Dōji (all standing)
| 175.7 cm (69.2 in) (Bishamonten)
| Hon-dō, , Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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|-
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| Formerly enshrined in the
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, around 800
| Colored wood (faded)
| Standing Fukū Kensaku Kannon
| 313.6 cm (123.5 in)
| , Kōryū-ji
Koryu-ji
is a Shingon temple in Uzumasa, Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple is also known by the names and , and was formerly known as , and .Kōryū-ji is said to be the oldest temple in Kyoto, having been constructed in 603 by Hata no Kawakatsu upon receiving a Buddhist statue from Prince Shōtoku...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
|
|-
| and
|
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, second half of 9th century
| Wood
| Seated Acala
Acala
In Vajrayana Buddhism, Ācala is the best known of the Five Wisdom Kings of the Womb Realm. He is also known as Ācalanātha, Āryācalanātha, Ācala-vidyā-rāja and . The Sanskrit term ācala means "immovable"; Ācala is also the name of the eighth of the ten completion stages of the Bodhisattva path...
and canopy
| 123 cm (48.4 in)
| , Tō-ji
To-ji
is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto, Japan. Its name means East Temple, and it once had a partner, Sai-ji . They stood alongside the Rashomon, the gate to the Heian capital. It is formally known as which indicates that it previously functioned as a temple providing protection for the...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
|
|-
| or
|
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 9th century, Jōgan
Jogan
was a after Ten'an and before Gangyō. This period spanned the years from April 859 through April 877. The two reigning emperors were and .-Change of era:* February 7, 859 : The new era name was created to mark an event or series of events...
era
| Wood,
| Nyoirin Kannon in half-lotus position
| 88.2 cm (34.7 in)
| Hon-dō, , Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
|
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| or
| Possibly imported to Japan from Korea. One of the oldest items in the list.
| Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
, 7th century
| Japanese Red Pine
Japanese Red Pine
The Japanese Red Pine has a home range that includes Japan, Korea, northeastern China and the extreme southeast of Russia . This pine has become a popular ornamental and has several cultivars, but in the winter it becomes yellowish. The height of this tree is 20–35 m...
wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Miroku Bosatsu in half-lotus position
| 84.2 cm (33.1 in)
| , Kōryū-ji
Koryu-ji
is a Shingon temple in Uzumasa, Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple is also known by the names and , and was formerly known as , and .Kōryū-ji is said to be the oldest temple in Kyoto, having been constructed in 603 by Hata no Kawakatsu upon receiving a Buddhist statue from Prince Shōtoku...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
| |-
| or
| Possibly made in Japan
| Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
, around 700
| Camphorwood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Miroku Bosatsu in half-lotus position
| 66.4 cm (26.1 in)
| , Kōryū-ji
Koryu-ji
is a Shingon temple in Uzumasa, Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple is also known by the names and , and was formerly known as , and .Kōryū-ji is said to be the oldest temple in Kyoto, having been constructed in 603 by Hata no Kawakatsu upon receiving a Buddhist statue from Prince Shōtoku...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
|
|-
| >
| Formerly enshrined in the
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 913
| Hinoki wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai (healing Buddha) and two standing attendants: Nikkō Bosatsu
Nikko bosatsu
Suryaprabha Bodhisattva, or Nikkō Bosatsu in Japanese, is a bodhisattva whose specialty is sunlight and good health. Nikkō is often seen with Gakkō Bosatsu , as the two siblings serve Yakushi or the Medicine Buddha...
and Gakkō Bosatsu (Bodhisattva
Bodhisattva
In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is either an enlightened existence or an enlightenment-being or, given the variant Sanskrit spelling satva rather than sattva, "heroic-minded one for enlightenment ." The Pali term has sometimes been translated as "wisdom-being," although in modern publications, and...
s of sun and moon light)
| 176.5 cm (69.5 in) (Yakushi)
| , Daigo-ji
Daigo-ji
is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. Its main devotion is Yakushi. Daigo, literally "ghee," is used figuratively to mean "crème de la crème" and is a metaphor of the most profound part of Buddhist thoughts.- History :...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| By and . Halo with , Nikkō Bosatsu
Nikko bosatsu
Suryaprabha Bodhisattva, or Nikkō Bosatsu in Japanese, is a bodhisattva whose specialty is sunlight and good health. Nikkō is often seen with Gakkō Bosatsu , as the two siblings serve Yakushi or the Medicine Buddha...
and Gakkō Bosatsu. Pedestal with
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 1103
| Sandalwood
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is the name of a class of fragrant woods from trees in the genus Santalum. The woods are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and unlike many other aromatic woods they retain their fragrance for decades. As well as using the harvested and cut wood in-situ, essential oils are also extracted...
, , cut-gold foil on wood
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai
| 10.7 cm (4.2 in)
| , Ninna-ji
Ninna-ji
is the head temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism. Located in western Kyoto, Japan, it was founded in AD 888 by the retired Emperor Uda. It is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto", a UNESCO World Heritage Site.-History:...
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| Principal image of Jingo-ji
Jingo-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto. It stands on Mount Takao to the northwest of the center of the city. The temple adheres to Shingon Buddhism. Its honzon is a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing or "Medicine Buddha"....
's predecessor temple
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, end of 8th century
| Wood,
| Standing Yakushi Nyorai
| 169.7 cm (66.8 in)
| Kon-dō , Jingo-ji
Jingo-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto. It stands on Mount Takao to the northwest of the center of the city. The temple adheres to Shingon Buddhism. Its honzon is a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing or "Medicine Buddha"....
, Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
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| The statue has a total of 1041 arms: 2 main arms with the hand palms facing each other in front of the statue, 38 large and 1001 small arms extending from behind the body.
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, middle of 8th century
| ,
| Seated Thousand-armed Kannon
| 131.3 cm (51.7 in)
| Hon-dō , , Fujiidera
Fujiidera, Osaka
is a city located in Osaka, Japan.-History:In 1959 the townships of Fujiidera-cho and Domyoji-cho merged to create Fujiidera-Domyoji-cho. A year later, the town was renamed Misasagi-cho...
, Osaka
Osaka Prefecture
is a prefecture located in the Kansai region on Honshū, the main island of Japan. The capital is the city of Osaka. It is the center of Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto area.- History :...
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, beginning of 9th century
| Wood,
| Standing Jūichimen Kannon
| 99.4 cm (39.1 in)
| Hon-dō , , Fujiidera
Fujiidera, Osaka
is a city located in Osaka, Japan.-History:In 1959 the townships of Fujiidera-cho and Domyoji-cho merged to create Fujiidera-Domyoji-cho. A year later, the town was renamed Misasagi-cho...
, Osaka
Osaka Prefecture
is a prefecture located in the Kansai region on Honshū, the main island of Japan. The capital is the city of Osaka. It is the center of Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto area.- History :...
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| One of three masterpiece images of Nyoirin Kannon called San Nyoirin (三如意輪).
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, around 840
| Colored wood
| Seated Nyoirin Kannon with one knee pulled up
| 108.8 cm (42.8 in)
| Kon-dō , Kanshin-ji
Kanshin-ji
is a temple in Kawachinagano, Osaka, Japan.- Cultural Properties :National Treasures*Golden Hall*Mokuzō Nyoirinkan-nonzazō*Kanshin-ji EngishizaichōImportant Cultural Properties*Shoin*Tatekakenotō*Kariteimotendō- See also :*Mount Kongō*Kongōbu-ji...
, Kawachinagano
Kawachinagano, Osaka
is a city located in Osaka, Japan.As of 2010, the city has an estimated population of 112,696 and the density of 1,030 persons per km². The total area is 109.61 km².The city was founded on April 1, 1954.-Claims to fame:...
, Osaka
Osaka Prefecture
is a prefecture located in the Kansai region on Honshū, the main island of Japan. The capital is the city of Osaka. It is the center of Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto area.- History :...
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, around 900
| Wood,
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai
| 92.9 cm (36.6 in)
| Hon-dō , , Katano
Katano, Osaka
is a city located in Osaka, Japan.As of 2010, the city has an estimated population of 77,680 and the density of 3,040 persons per km². The total area is 25.55 km².The city was founded on November 3, 1971.-Railways:*Keihan Electric Railway...
, Osaka
Osaka Prefecture
is a prefecture located in the Kansai region on Honshū, the main island of Japan. The capital is the city of Osaka. It is the center of Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto area.- History :...
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| The wooden core of the statues was covered with lacquer on which gold foil was pressed.
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1195
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Standing Amida Nyorai and two standing attendants
| 530 cm (208.7 in) (Amida), 371 cm (146.1 in) (each attendant)
| Hon-dō ( or ) , Jōdo-ji
Jōdo-ji (Ono)
The is a temple of the Shingon sect in Ono, Hyōgo, Japan.It was established by Chōgen in 1190 - 1198.Jōdo-ji's Jōdodō completed in 1194 is a National Treasure of Japan.The architecture is in the Daibutsu style that combines Japanese and Chinese elements....
, Ono
Ono, Hyogo
is a city located in Hyōgo, Japan.As of April 30, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 50,522, with a household number of 18,724 and the density of 539.30 persons per km²...
, Hyōgo
Hyogo Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region on Honshū island. The capital is Kobe.The prefecture's name was previously alternately spelled as Hiogo.- History :...
| |-
| and
|
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, 8th century
| , colored
| Standing Bonten and standing Taishakuten
Indra
' or is the King of the demi-gods or Devas and Lord of Heaven or Svargaloka in Hindu mythology. He is also the God of War, Storms, and Rainfall.Indra is one of the chief deities in the Rigveda...
| 403 cm (158.7 in) (Bonten), 378.8 cm (149.1 in) (Taishakuten)
| , Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, 8th century
| , colored
| Seated Ganjin
| 80.1 cm (31.5 in)
| , Tōshōdai-ji
Toshodai-ji
Tōshōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Ritsu sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Classic Golden Hall, also known as the kondō, has a single story, hipped tiled roof with a seven bay wide facade. It is considered the archetype of "classical style."It was founded by a Chinese...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Niō in armour. There is another pair of Kongōrikishi (National Treasure) in , Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
.
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, 8th century
| , colored, gold leaf over lacquer
| Standing pair of Niō
Nio
Kongōrikishi or Niō are two wrath-filled and muscular guardians of the Buddha, standing today at the entrance of many Buddhist temples in China, Japan and Korea in the form of frightening wrestler-like statues. They are manifestations of the Bodhisattva ' protector deity and are part of the...
: and
| 326.3 cm (128.5 in) (Agyō) and 306 cm (120.5 in) (Ungyō)
| , Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Statue of the founder of the
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, second half of 8th century
|
| Seated Gyōshin
| 89.7 cm (35.3 in)
| , Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, 8th century
| , colored
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
Four Heavenly Kings
In the Buddhist faith, the Four Heavenly Kings are four gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world.The Kings are collectively named as follows:...
| 308.5 cm (121.5 in) (Jikoku-ten), 300 cm (118.1 in) (Zōjō-ten), 315.1 cm (124.1 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 312.1 cm (122.9 in) (Tamon-ten)
| , Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Four statues of the group of 10 are lost. Originally enshrined in the surrounding the principal Shaka Nyorai image there
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, 734
| , colored
| Standing six of The ten principal disciples
The ten principal disciples
The ten principal disciples were the main disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha. Depending on the scripture, the disciples included in this group vary. Vimalakirti Sutra includes;#Śāriputra...
: Furuna, Mokuren, Sharihotsu, Kasennen
Kasennen
Kasennen is the Japanese name for Kathyayana, a disciple of Gautama Buddha.-References:...
, Ragora, Shubodai
| 148.8 cm (58.6 in) (Furuna), 149.1 cm (58.7 in) (Mokuren), 154.8 cm (60.9 in) (Sharihotsu), 146 cm (57.5 in) (Kasennen), 148.8 cm (58.6 in) (Ragora), 147.6 cm (58.1 in) (Shubodai)
| Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Of one figure, Gobujō, only the upper part of the body remains. The Ashura
Asura (Buddhism)
Asura in Buddhism is the name of the lowest ranks of the deities or demigods of the Kāmadhātu.-Origins and etymology:...
of this group is among the most famous sculptures in Japan.
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, 734
| , colored
| Standing Eight Legions: Ashura
Asura (Buddhism)
Asura in Buddhism is the name of the lowest ranks of the deities or demigods of the Kāmadhātu.-Origins and etymology:...
, , Kinnara
Kinnara
In Buddhist mythology and Hindu mythology, a kinnara is a paradigmatic lover, a celestial musician, half-human and half-horse or half-bird...
, , , , Kendatsuba
Gandharva
Gandharva is a name used for distinct mythological beings in Hinduism and Buddhism; it is also a term for skilled singers in Indian classical music.-In Hinduism:...
, Garuda
Garuda
The Garuda is a large mythical bird or bird-like creature that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology.From an Indian perspective, Garuda is the Hindu name for the constellation Aquila and...
| 153 cm (60.2 in) (Ashura), 48.8 cm (19.2 in) (fragments of Gobujō), 149.1 cm (58.7 in) (Kinnara), 153.6 cm (60.5 in) (Shakara), 156 cm (61.4 in) (Hibakara), 151.2 cm (59.5 in) (Kubanda), 160.3 cm (63.1 in) (Kendatsuba), 149.7 cm (58.9 in) (Garuda)
| Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, 8th century
| , gold leaf over lacquer
| Standing Fukū Kensaku Kannon
| 362.1 cm (142.6 in)
| , Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Principal image of the . One of three National Treasure Yakushi Nyorai at Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
. The others are located in the Kon-dō and in the .
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, 8th century
| , gold leaf over lacquer
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai (healing Buddha)
| 244.5 cm (96.3 in)
| , Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, 8th century
| , gold leaf over lacquer
| Seated Rushana Buddha
| 304.5 cm (119.9 in)
| Kon-dō , Tōshōdai-ji
Toshodai-ji
Tōshōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Ritsu sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Classic Golden Hall, also known as the kondō, has a single story, hipped tiled roof with a seven bay wide facade. It is considered the archetype of "classical style."It was founded by a Chinese...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| and
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| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, 8th century
| Colored clay, cut-gold foil on clay
| Standing Nikkō Bosatsu
Nikko bosatsu
Suryaprabha Bodhisattva, or Nikkō Bosatsu in Japanese, is a bodhisattva whose specialty is sunlight and good health. Nikkō is often seen with Gakkō Bosatsu , as the two siblings serve Yakushi or the Medicine Buddha...
and Gakkō Bosatsu (Bodhisattva
Bodhisattva
In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is either an enlightened existence or an enlightenment-being or, given the variant Sanskrit spelling satva rather than sattva, "heroic-minded one for enlightenment ." The Pali term has sometimes been translated as "wisdom-being," although in modern publications, and...
s of sun and moon light)
| 206.3 cm (81.2 in) (Nikkō), 206.8 cm (81.4 in) (Gakkō)
| , Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, 8th century
| Colored clay
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
Four Heavenly Kings
In the Buddhist faith, the Four Heavenly Kings are four gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world.The Kings are collectively named as follows:...
| 160.6 cm (63.2 in) (Jikoku-ten), 165.4 cm (65.1 in) (Zōjō-ten), 162.7 cm (64.1 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 164.5 cm (64.8 in) (Tamon-ten)
| , Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Mentioned in the Nihon Ryōiki
Nihon Ryoiki
is an early Heian period setsuwa collection. Written by Kyōkai between 787 and 824, it is Japan's oldest collection of Buddhist setsuwa. It is three volumes in length.-Title:...
as the statue which aided the priest Rōben
Roben
, also known as Ryōben, was a Japanese Buddhist monk of the Kegon sect, and clerical founder of the Tōdai-ji temple in Nara, Japan. He is popularly known as the ....
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, mid 8th century
| Colored clay
| Standing Shukongōshin
| 173.9 cm (68.5 in)
| , Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| The temple uses a different association of statues with names of the generals than the national treasure nomination. Here the temple scheme is used.
| Statues are placed in a circle surrounding Yakushi Nyorai. Oldest extant sculptures of the Twelve Heavenly Generals. One statue, , dated 1931 is excluded from the nomination. Each of the twelve statues' heads is adorned with one of the twelve animals of the zodiac.
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, 729–749
| Colored clay
| Standing eleven of the Twelve Heavenly Generals
Twelve Heavenly Generals
In some Buddhist denominations, the Twelve Heavenly Generals or Twelve Divine Generals are the protective deities, or yaksha, of Bhaisajyaguru, the buddha of healing...
: , , , , , , , , , ,
| 162.9 cm (64.1 in) (Bazara), 154.2 cm (60.7 in) (Anira), 162.1 cm (63.8 in) (Bigyara), 170.1 cm (67 in) (Makora), 165.1 cm (65 in) (Kubira), 167.6 cm (66 in) (Shōtora), 165.5 cm (65.2 in) (Shintara), 161.8 cm (63.7 in) (Santera), 159.5 cm (62.8 in) (Meikira), 153.6 cm (60.5 in) (Antera), 155.2 cm (61.1 in) (Indara)
| Hon-dō , Shin-Yakushi-ji
Shin-Yakushi-ji
is a Buddhist temple of the Kegon sect in Nara, Japan. It was founded in 747 by Empress Kōmyō. Initially a large complete Shichidō garan temple, it suffered from fire damage and deteriorated during the Heian period. The temple was revived during the Kamakura period. Only one building, the present...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Four groups in the cardinal directions depicting scenes from the life of Buddha
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, 711
| Colored clay, gold leaf over lacquer
| Total of 78 statues and two other objects: Miroku Bosatsu leaning against an elephant (S); seated Yuimakoji, seated Monju Bosatsu
Manjusri
Mañjuśrī is a bodhisattva associated with transcendent wisdom in Mahāyāna Buddhism. In Esoteric Buddhism he is also taken as a meditational deity. The Sanskrit name Mañjuśrī can be translated as "Gentle Glory"...
and 14 attendants (E); (Shaka Nyorai) and 31 attendants (N); Gold coffin, reliquary and 29 attendants (W)
| 81 cm (31.9 in) (Miroku Bosatsu), 98 cm (38.6 in) (Shaka Nyorai), 45.2 cm (17.8 in) (Yuimakoji), 52.4 cm (20.6 in) (Monju Bosatsu), 25.6 cm (10.1 in) (gold coffin), 37.3 cm (14.7 in) (reliquary)
| , Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, around 873
| Colored clay
| Seated Dōsen
| 88.2 cm (34.7 in)
| , Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Oldest extant Miroku Bosatsu statue in Japan
| Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
, second half of 7th century
| Clay, gold leaf over lacquer
| Seated Miroku Bosatsu
| 219.7 cm (86.5 in)
| Kon-dō , Taima-dera
Taima-dera
Taima-dera is a Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan built originally in 612 by the Imperial Prince Maroko, the brother of Prince Shotoku. The temple was moved to its present location in 681 by the grandson of Prince Maroko, and serves as the head temple, or honzan of the now-defunct Hosso sect...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| and
| Buddhist image for personal daily worship , dedicated by
| Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
, end of 7th century
| Gilded bronze, yuga (油画) oil painting on wood for the shrine
| Seated Amida Nyorai and two standing attendants (Kannon and Seishi)
| 33.3 cm (13.1 in) (Amida), 27 cm (10.6 in) (each attendant)
| , Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| or
| Influenced by Indian sculpture of the Gupta period
| Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
, early 8th century
| Gilded bronze
| Standing Kannon
| 188.9 cm (74.4 in)
| , Yakushi-ji
Yakushi-ji
is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, located in Nara. The temple is the headquarters of the Hossō school of Japanese Buddhism...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| or
| Its common name derives from the belief that the statue could change bad dreams into good dreams. Formerly the principal statue of the . One of four National Treasure standing Kannon Bosatsu statues at Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
. Two more are also in the , while the third Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined in the .
| Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
, around 700
| Gilded bronze
| Standing Kannon
| 87 cm (34.3 in)
| , Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| By Tori Busshi
Tori Busshi
Tori Busshi was a Japanese sculptor active in the late 6th and early 7th century. He was from the Kuratsukuri clan, and his full title was Shiba no Kuratsukuri-be no Obito Tori Busshi ; Busshi is a title meaning "the maker of Buddhist images"...
. One of the most treasured pieces of early Japanese bronze sculpture. It is said to be modelled after Prince Shōtoku
Prince Shotoku
, also known as or , was a semi-legendary regent and a politician of the Asuka period in Japan who served under Empress Suiko. He was a son of Emperor Yōmei and his younger half-sister Princess Anahobe no Hashihito. His parents were relatives of the ruling Soga clan, and was involved in the defeat...
.
| Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
, 623
| Gilded bronze
| Seated Shaka Nyorai and two standing attendants
| 86.4 cm (34 in) (Shaka), 90.7 cm (35.7 in) (left att.), 92.4 cm (36.4 in) (right att.)
| Kon-dō, Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, second half of 8th century
| Gilded bronze
| Standing Shaka
Gautama Buddha
Siddhārtha Gautama was a spiritual teacher from the Indian subcontinent, on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. In most Buddhist traditions, he is regarded as the Supreme Buddha Siddhārtha Gautama (Sanskrit: सिद्धार्थ गौतम; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual teacher from the Indian...
at birth in ablution basin
| 47.5 cm (18.7 in) (Shaka), diameter of bowl: 89.4 cm (35.2 in)
| , Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Former principal image in the of
| Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
, 668
| Gilded bronze
| Buttō
| 98.3 cm (38.7 in)
| , Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Yakushi Nyorai is placed on a 150 cm (59.1 in) high pedestal combining elements of different cultures of the world: grape-vine (Greek), lotus flower pattern (Mideast), crouching barbarians (India), dragon, tiger and tortoise (China). Unusually, the Yakushi does not carry a medicine pot in his hand.
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, around 718
| Gilded bronze
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai (healing Buddha) and two standing attendants: Nikkō Bosatsu
Nikko bosatsu
Suryaprabha Bodhisattva, or Nikkō Bosatsu in Japanese, is a bodhisattva whose specialty is sunlight and good health. Nikkō is often seen with Gakkō Bosatsu , as the two siblings serve Yakushi or the Medicine Buddha...
and Gakkō Bosatsu (Bodhisattvas of sun and moon light)
| 254.7 cm (100.3 in) (Yakushi), 317.3 cm (124.9 in) (Nikkō), 315.3 cm (124.1 in) (Gakkō)
| Kon-dō, Yakushi-ji
Yakushi-ji
is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, located in Nara. The temple is the headquarters of the Hossō school of Japanese Buddhism...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
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| One of three National Treasure Yakushi Nyorai at Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
. The others are located in the and in the .
| Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
, 607
| Gilded bronze
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai
| 63 cm (24.8 in)
| Kon-dō , Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
|-
| or Great Buddha of Nara
| The largest statue in this list and the largest gilt bronze statue in the world, and the main hall of Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, in which it is located, is the largest wooden structure in the world.
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, 752. Head is a recast from the Edo period
Edo period
The , or , is a division of Japanese history which was ruled by the shoguns of the Tokugawa family, running from 1603 to 1868. The political entity of this period was the Tokugawa shogunate....
, hands date to the Momoyama period
| Gilded bronze
| Seated Rushana Buddha
| 14.868m
| Kon-dō , Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
| |-
|
|
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 11th century
| Wooden tablets, , coloring, cut-gold foil on wood
| Standing Twelve Heavenly Generals
| 87.9 –
| , Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
|-
|
| Priest Gien was the founder of Oka-dera.
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, 8th century
| , colored
| Seated Gien
| 93 cm (36.6 in)
| , Asuka
Asuka, Nara
is a village located in Takaichi District, Nara, Japan.As of September 1, 2007, the village has an estimated population of 6,146 and a density of 255.23 persons per km². The total area is 24.08 km².Asuka is the land where ancient palaces were located...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
|-
|
|
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, 791
| , colored
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
Four Heavenly Kings
In the Buddhist faith, the Four Heavenly Kings are four gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world.The Kings are collectively named as follows:...
| 138.2 cm (54.4 in) (Jikoku-ten), 136 cm (53.5 in) (Zōjō-ten), 139.1 cm (54.8 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 134.5 cm (53 in) (Tamon-ten)
| , Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
|-
|
|
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, second half of 8th century
| , gold leaf over lacquer
| Standing Jūichimen Kannon
| 209.1 cm (82.3 in)
| , , Sakurai
Sakurai, Nara
is a city in Nara, Japan.As of 2007, the city had an estimated population of 63,321 with a density of 630.01 persons per km². The total area is 98.92 km².The city was founded on September 1, 1956....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
|-
|
|
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, second half of 8th century
| , gold leaf over lacquer
| Standing Thousand-armed Kannon
| 535.7 cm (210.9 in)
| Kon-dō, Tōshōdai-ji
Toshodai-ji
Tōshōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Ritsu sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Classic Golden Hall, also known as the kondō, has a single story, hipped tiled roof with a seven bay wide facade. It is considered the archetype of "classical style."It was founded by a Chinese...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
|-
|
|
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 796–815
| , gold leaf over lacquer
| Standing Yakushi Nyorai
| 369.7 cm (145.6 in)
| Kon-dō, Tōshōdai-ji
Toshodai-ji
Tōshōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Ritsu sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Classic Golden Hall, also known as the kondō, has a single story, hipped tiled roof with a seven bay wide facade. It is considered the archetype of "classical style."It was founded by a Chinese...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
|-
| , ,
| Oldest statues of their kind in Japan
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 889–898
| Colored wood
| Seated Hachiman
Hachiman
In Japanese mythology, is the Japanese syncretic god of archery and war, incorporating elements from both Shinto and Buddhism. Although often called the god of war, he is more correctly defined as the tutelary god of warriors. He is also divine protector of Japan and the Japanese people...
, Empress Jingū and Nakatsuhime
| 38.8 cm (15.3 in) (Hachiman), 33.9 cm (13.3 in) (Jingū), 36.8 cm (14.5 in) (Nakatsuhime)
| , Yakushi-ji
Yakushi-ji
is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, located in Nara. The temple is the headquarters of the Hossō school of Japanese Buddhism...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
|-
| and
| Tentoki attributed to , Ryūtoki by Kōben. Tentōki is a creature unique to Japan and Ryūtōki carries a lantern as offering to the Historical Buddha
Gautama Buddha
Siddhārtha Gautama was a spiritual teacher from the Indian subcontinent, on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. In most Buddhist traditions, he is regarded as the Supreme Buddha Siddhārtha Gautama (Sanskrit: सिद्धार्थ गौतम; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual teacher from the Indian...
.
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1216
| Colored wood, crystal eyes
| Standing Tentōki (lantern on hand/shoulder) and Ryūtōki (lantern on head)
| 77.9 cm (30.7 in) (Tentōki), 77.3 cm (30.4 in) (Ryūtōki)
| Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
|-
| and
| By Unkei
Unkei
Unkei was a Japanese sculptor of the Kei school, which flourished in the Kamakura period. He specialized in statues of the Buddha and other important Buddhist figures. Unkei's early works are fairly traditional, similar in style to pieces by his father, Kōkei...
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1208
| Colored wood, crystal eyes
| Standing Muchaku and Seshin.
| 193 cm (76 in) (Muchaku), 190.9 cm (75.2 in) (Seshin)
| , Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
| |-
| and
|
| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, second half of 8th century
| Colored wood
| Standing Bonten and standing Taishakuten
Indra
' or is the King of the demi-gods or Devas and Lord of Heaven or Svargaloka in Hindu mythology. He is also the God of War, Storms, and Rainfall.Indra is one of the chief deities in the Rigveda...
| 186.2 cm (73.3 in) (Bonten), 188.8 cm (74.3 in) (Taishakuten)
| Kon-dō, Tōshōdai-ji
Toshodai-ji
Tōshōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Ritsu sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Classic Golden Hall, also known as the kondō, has a single story, hipped tiled roof with a seven bay wide facade. It is considered the archetype of "classical style."It was founded by a Chinese...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
|-
|
| Carved by Jōkei
Jokei (sculptor)
was a Japanese sculptor of the Kei school, which flourished in the Kamakura period. Aside from his artwork, Jōkei left little record of his life, so sorting out the details of his biography is difficult...
over a period of 56 days and painted by Kōen in 50 days
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1196
| Colored wood in assembled wood-block (yosegi) technique, crystal eyes
| Seated Yuima
| 88.6 cm (34.9 in)
| , Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
|-
| or
| One of four National Treasure standing Kannon Bosatsu statues at Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
. Two more are also in the , while the third Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined in the .
| Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
, 7th century
| Sandalwood
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is the name of a class of fragrant woods from trees in the genus Santalum. The woods are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and unlike many other aromatic woods they retain their fragrance for decades. As well as using the harvested and cut wood in-situ, essential oils are also extracted...
,
| Standing Kannon
| 37.6 cm (14.8 in)
| , Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
|-
| or
| One of four National Treasure standing Kannon Bosatsu statues at Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
. Two more are also in the , while the third Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined in the . It has been conjectured to be a work of Korean artisans.
| Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
, mid 7th century
| Colored wood
| Standing Kannon
| 209.4 cm (82.4 in)
| , Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
|-
| or
| Oldest extant wooden statue in Japan. One of four National Treasure standing Kannon Bosatsu statues at Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
. The others are located in the .
| Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
, first half of 7th century, 620 or so
| Single block of camphor wood,
| Standing Kannon
| 178.8 cm (70.4 in)
| , Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
|-
|
| Probably by a Kei school
Kei school
The ' was a Japanese school of Buddhist sculpture which emerged in the early Kamakura period . Based in Nara, it was the dominant school in Buddhist sculpture in Japan into the 14th century, and remained influential until the 19th...
sculptor
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1251
| Wood, technique, crystal eyes
| Seated Tamayorihime
| 83 cm (32.7 in)
| Yoshino Mikumari Shrine
Yoshino Mikumari Shrine
is a Shinto shrine located on Mount Yoshino in Yoshino district, Nara, Japan. It is closely associated with Emperor Go-Daigo.The Shrine is dedicated to mikumari, a female Shinto kami associated with water...
, Yoshino
Yoshino, Nara
is a town located in Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, Japan.As of September 1, 2007, the town had an estimated population of 9397 and a density of 97.93 persons per km². The total area was 95.65 km².-Geography:...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
|-
|
|
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1288
| Colored wood, crystal eyes
| Standing pair of Niō
Nio
Kongōrikishi or Niō are two wrath-filled and muscular guardians of the Buddha, standing today at the entrance of many Buddhist temples in China, Japan and Korea in the form of frightening wrestler-like statues. They are manifestations of the Bodhisattva ' protector deity and are part of the...
: and
| 154 cm (60.6 in) (Agyō) and 153.7 cm (60.5 in) (Ungyō)
| , Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
|
|-
|
| By Kaikei
Kaikei
Kaikei was a Japanese Busshi of Kamakura period, known alongside Unkei. Because many busshi of the school have a name including kei , his school is called Kei-ha . Kaikei being also called Anna-dabutsu, his style is called Anna-miyou and is known to be intelligent, pictorial and delicate...
and Unkei
Unkei
Unkei was a Japanese sculptor of the Kei school, which flourished in the Kamakura period. He specialized in statues of the Buddha and other important Buddhist figures. Unkei's early works are fairly traditional, similar in style to pieces by his father, Kōkei...
. There is another pair of Kongōrikishi (National Treasure) in , Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
.
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1203
| Colored wood
| Standing pair of Niō
Nio
Kongōrikishi or Niō are two wrath-filled and muscular guardians of the Buddha, standing today at the entrance of many Buddhist temples in China, Japan and Korea in the form of frightening wrestler-like statues. They are manifestations of the Bodhisattva ' protector deity and are part of the...
: and
| 836.3 cm (329.3 in) (Agyō) and 842.3 cm (331.6 in) (Ungyō)
| , Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| By et al.
| Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
, around 650
| Colored wood and cut-gold foil on wood
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
Four Heavenly Kings
In the Buddhist faith, the Four Heavenly Kings are four gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world.The Kings are collectively named as follows:...
| 133.3 cm (52.5 in) (Jikoku-ten), 134.8 cm (53.1 in) (Zōjō-ten), 133.3 cm (52.5 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 134.2 cm (52.8 in) (Tamon-ten)
| Kon-dō, Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
, second half of 8th century
| Colored wood
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
Four Heavenly Kings
In the Buddhist faith, the Four Heavenly Kings are four gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world.The Kings are collectively named as follows:...
| 185 cm (72.8 in) (Jikoku-ten), 187.2 cm (73.7 in) (Zōjō-ten), 186.3 cm (73.3 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 188.5 cm (74.2 in) (Tamon-ten)
| Kon-dō , Tōshōdai-ji
Toshodai-ji
Tōshōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Ritsu sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Classic Golden Hall, also known as the kondō, has a single story, hipped tiled roof with a seven bay wide facade. It is considered the archetype of "classical style."It was founded by a Chinese...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| There are three sets of Four Heavenly Kings designated as National Treasure at Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
. The others are located in the and .
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, early 9th century
| Colored wood in single-block (ichiboku) technique and cut-gold foil on wood
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
Four Heavenly Kings
In the Buddhist faith, the Four Heavenly Kings are four gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world.The Kings are collectively named as follows:...
| 162.5 cm (64 in) (Jikoku-ten), 161 cm (63.4 in) (Zōjō-ten), 164 cm (64.6 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 153 cm (60.2 in) (Tamon-ten)
| , Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| By Kōkei. There are three sets of Four Heavenly Kings designated as National Treasure at Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
. The others are located in the and .
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1189
| Colored wood
| Standing Four Heavenly Kings
Four Heavenly Kings
In the Buddhist faith, the Four Heavenly Kings are four gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world.The Kings are collectively named as follows:...
| 206.6 cm (81.3 in) (Jikoku-ten), 197.5 cm (77.8 in) (Zōjō-ten), 200 cm (78.7 in) (Kōmoku-ten), 197.2 cm (77.6 in) (Tamon-ten)
| , Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 925–931
| Cherry wood, single tree, gold leaf over lacquer
| Seated Shaka Nyorai and two seated attendants.
| 227.9 cm (89.7 in) (Shaka), 155.7 cm (61.3 in) (left att.), 153.9 cm (60.6 in) (right att.)
| , Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, end of 8th century
| Colored wood
| Seated Shaka Nyorai
| 105.7 cm (41.6 in)
| , Murō-ji
Murō-ji
is a temple of Omoto school of Shingon Buddhism, located in the city of Uda, Nara, Japan.Murō-ji shows its typical aspect of Shingon Buddhism, with its buildings laid on the mountainside of .Unlike many temples of the time, Murō-ji was opened to females...
, Uda
Uda, Nara
is a city located in northeastern Nara, Japan.On January 1, 2006, the towns of Haibara, Ōuda and Utano, and the village of Murō, all from Uda District, were merged to form Uda City. As of December 29, 2005 the population was 38,648 people. The total area is 247.62 km².Each former town became a ward...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, end of 9th century
| Colored wood
| Standing Shaka Nyorai
| 237.7 cm (93.6 in)
| Kon-dō, Murō-ji
Murō-ji
is a temple of Omoto school of Shingon Buddhism, located in the city of Uda, Nara, Japan.Murō-ji shows its typical aspect of Shingon Buddhism, with its buildings laid on the mountainside of .Unlike many temples of the time, Murō-ji was opened to females...
, Uda
Uda, Nara
is a city located in northeastern Nara, Japan.On January 1, 2006, the towns of Haibara, Ōuda and Utano, and the village of Murō, all from Uda District, were merged to form Uda City. As of December 29, 2005 the population was 38,648 people. The total area is 247.62 km².Each former town became a ward...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, end of 9th century
| Colored wood
| Standing Jūichimen Kannon
| 195.1 cm (76.8 in)
| Kon-dō, Murō-ji
Murō-ji
is a temple of Omoto school of Shingon Buddhism, located in the city of Uda, Nara, Japan.Murō-ji shows its typical aspect of Shingon Buddhism, with its buildings laid on the mountainside of .Unlike many temples of the time, Murō-ji was opened to females...
, Uda
Uda, Nara
is a city located in northeastern Nara, Japan.On January 1, 2006, the towns of Haibara, Ōuda and Utano, and the village of Murō, all from Uda District, were merged to form Uda City. As of December 29, 2005 the population was 38,648 people. The total area is 247.62 km².Each former town became a ward...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, first half of 9th century
| Wood,
| Standing Jūichimen Kannon
| 100 cm (39.4 in)
| Hon-dō, Hokke-ji
Hokke-ji
, is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Nara, Japan.Hokke-ji was built by Empress Kōmyō in 745, originally as a nunnery temple on the grounds where previously her father Fujiwara no Fuhito's mansion stood. According to records kept by the temple, the initial construction went on until around...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Supposedly each of the statues was carved by a different sculptor
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1207
| Colored wood and cut-gold foil on wood
| Standing Twelve Heavenly Generals
| 113 –
| , Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, around 1206
| Colored hinoki wood
| Seated priest (Shunjō)
| 81.4 cm (32 in)
| , Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 1121
| Colored wood and cut-gold foil on wood
| Seated Prince Shōtoku
Prince Shotoku
, also known as or , was a semi-legendary regent and a politician of the Asuka period in Japan who served under Empress Suiko. He was a son of Emperor Yōmei and his younger half-sister Princess Anahobe no Hashihito. His parents were relatives of the ruling Soga clan, and was involved in the defeat...
flanked by four seated figures: younger brother , first son , priest Eji and
| 84.2 cm (33.1 in) (Shōtoku), 53.9 cm (21.2 in) (Eguri), 63.9 cm (25.2 in) (Yamashiro), 63.9 cm (25.2 in) (Eji), 52.4 cm (20.6 in) (Somaro)
| , Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| By a sculptor of the school. Formerly the principal image of the
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, around 1220
| Hinoki wood, gold leaf over lacquer , crystal eyes
| Standing Thousand-armed Kannon
| 520.5 cm (204.9 in)
| , Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| By Kaikei
Kaikei
Kaikei was a Japanese Busshi of Kamakura period, known alongside Unkei. Because many busshi of the school have a name including kei , his school is called Kei-ha . Kaikei being also called Anna-dabutsu, his style is called Anna-miyou and is known to be intelligent, pictorial and delicate...
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1201
| Colored hinoki wood
| Seated Hachiman
Hachiman
In Japanese mythology, is the Japanese syncretic god of archery and war, incorporating elements from both Shinto and Buddhism. Although often called the god of war, he is more correctly defined as the tutelary god of warriors. He is also divine protector of Japan and the Japanese people...
| 87.1 cm (34.3 in)
| , Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| By Unkei
Unkei
Unkei was a Japanese sculptor of the Kei school, which flourished in the Kamakura period. He specialized in statues of the Buddha and other important Buddhist figures. Unkei's early works are fairly traditional, similar in style to pieces by his father, Kōkei...
.
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 1176
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer , crystal eyes
| Seated Dainichi Nyorai
| 98.8 cm (38.9 in)
| Tahōtō
Tahōtō
A is a form of Japanese pagoda found primarily at Esoteric Shingon and Tendai school Buddhist temples. It is unique among pagodas because it has an even number of stories...
, Enjō-ji
Enjō-ji
is a Shingon temple in the northeast of Nara, Japan. A number of its buildings and images have been designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, and its late-Heian period gardens are a Place of Scenic Beauty.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 9th century
| Wood
| Standing Jizō Bosatsu
| 172.7 cm (68 in)
| , Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| and
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 1078
| Colored wood and cut-gold foil on wood
| Standing Jizō Bosatsu
| 123.2 cm (48.5 in) (Bishamonten), 116.7 cm (45.9 in) (Kichijōten)
| Kon-dō, Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| By Kōkei
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1189
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Seated Fukū Kensaku Kannon
| 341.5 cm (134.4 in)
| , Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| A work of a sculptor of the Kokei school
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1196
| Colored hinoki wood in assembled wood-block (yosegi) technique, gold paint, crystal eyes
| Seated Monju Bosatsu
| 93.9 cm (37 in)
| , Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| or
| It had been wrongly venerated as Nyoirin Kannon.
| Asuka period
Asuka period
The , was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710 , although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period...
, second half of 7th century
| Colored Camphorwood
| Nyoirin Kannon in half-lotus position
| 87 cm (34.3 in)
| Hon-dō, Chūgū-ji
Chūgū-ji
is a temple in Nara Prefecture, Japan, that was founded as a nunnery in the seventh century by Shōtoku Taishi. Located immediately to the northeast of Hōryū-ji, its statue of Miroku and Tenjukoku mandala are National Treasures.-History:...
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| By Kōkei
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1188–1189
| Colored hinoki wood, crystal eyes
| Six Patriarchs of the Hossō sect: , , , , ,
| 73.3 cm (28.9 in) (Jōtō), 81.2 cm (32 in) (Shinei), 83 cm (32.7 in) (Zenshu), 84.8 cm (33.4 in) (Genbō), 77.2 cm (30.4 in) (Genpin), 74.8 cm (29.4 in) (Gyōga)
| , Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| By Unkei
Unkei
Unkei was a Japanese sculptor of the Kei school, which flourished in the Kamakura period. He specialized in statues of the Buddha and other important Buddhist figures. Unkei's early works are fairly traditional, similar in style to pieces by his father, Kōkei...
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1212
| Wood, gold leaf over lacquer
| Seated Miroku Bosatsu
| 141.5 cm (55.7 in)
| , Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, end of 10th century
| Hinoki wood, single tree, gold leaf over lacquer
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai (healing Buddha) and two seated attendants: Nikkō Bosatsu
Nikko bosatsu
Suryaprabha Bodhisattva, or Nikkō Bosatsu in Japanese, is a bodhisattva whose specialty is sunlight and good health. Nikkō is often seen with Gakkō Bosatsu , as the two siblings serve Yakushi or the Medicine Buddha...
and Gakkō Bosatsu (Bodhisattva
Bodhisattva
In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is either an enlightened existence or an enlightenment-being or, given the variant Sanskrit spelling satva rather than sattva, "heroic-minded one for enlightenment ." The Pali term has sometimes been translated as "wisdom-being," although in modern publications, and...
s of sun and moon light)
| 247.2 cm (97.3 in) (Yakushi), 172.1 cm (67.8 in) (each attendant)
| , Hōryū-ji
Hōryū-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji , or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as seminary and monastery both....
, Ikaruga
Ikaruga, Nara
is a town located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.Ikaruga is home to Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji, ancient Buddhist temples collectively inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage. Other ancient temples include Hōrin-ji, also in the vicinity of Hōryū-ji....
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 9th century
| Colored Japanese nutmeg
Torreya nucifera
Torreya nucifera is a slow-growing, coniferous tree native to southern Japan and to South Korea's Jeju Island. It is also called ' or Japanese nutmeg-yew.-Description:It grows to 15-25 m tall with a trunk up to 1.5 m diameter...
wood, single tree
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai
| 49.7 cm (19.6 in)
| Nara National Museum
Nara National Museum
The is one of the pre-eminent national art museums in Japan.-Introduction:The Nara National Museum is located in Nara, which was the capital of Japan from 710 to 784. Katayama Tōkuma designed the original building, which is a representative Western-style building of the Meiji period and has been...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, end of 8th century
| Japanese Nutmeg-yew wood, single tree,
| Seated Yakushi Nyorai
| 191.5 cm (75.4 in)
| Hon-dō , Shin-Yakushi-ji
Shin-Yakushi-ji
is a Buddhist temple of the Kegon sect in Nara, Japan. It was founded in 747 by Empress Kōmyō. Initially a large complete Shichidō garan temple, it suffered from fire damage and deteriorated during the Heian period. The temple was revived during the Kamakura period. Only one building, the present...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, early 9th century
| Japanese nutmeg
Torreya nucifera
Torreya nucifera is a slow-growing, coniferous tree native to southern Japan and to South Korea's Jeju Island. It is also called ' or Japanese nutmeg-yew.-Description:It grows to 15-25 m tall with a trunk up to 1.5 m diameter...
wood, single tree,
| Standing Yakushi Nyorai
| 164.8 cm (64.9 in)
| Hon-dō , Gangō-ji
Gango-ji
is an ancient Buddhist temple, that was once one of the powerful Nanto Shichi Daiji, in Nara, Japan.-History:The original foundation of the temple was by Soga no Umako in Asuka, as Asuka-dera...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, end of 9th century
| Colored hinoki wood, single tree
| Seated Rōben
Roben
, also known as Ryōben, was a Japanese Buddhist monk of the Kegon sect, and clerical founder of the Tōdai-ji temple in Nara, Japan. He is popularly known as the ....
| 92.4 cm (36.4 in)
| , Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, Nara
Nara, Nara
is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture...
, Nara
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
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| , , ,
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| early Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 9th century
| Colored wood
| Four seated Shintō
Shinto
or Shintoism, also kami-no-michi, is the indigenous spirituality of Japan and the Japanese people. It is a set of practices, to be carried out diligently, to establish a connection between present day Japan and its ancient past. Shinto practices were first recorded and codified in the written...
gods: Hayatama, Fusumi, Ketsumiko, Kunitokotachi
Kunitokotachi
In Japanese mythology, is one of the two gods born from "something like a reed that arose from the soil" when the earth was chaotic. In the Nihon Shoki, he is named "Kuni-toko-tachi no mikoto" and is the first of the first three divinities born after heaven and earth were born out of chaos, and...
| 101.2 cm (39.8 in) (Hayatama), 98.5 cm (38.8 in) (Fusumi), 81.2 cm (32 in) (Ketsumiko), 80.3 cm (31.6 in) (Kunitokotachi)
| Kumano Hayatama Taisha
Kumano Hayatama Taisha
is a Shinto shrine located in Shingu, Wakayama Prefecture, on the shores of the Kumanogawa in the Kii Peninsula of Japan. It is included as part of the Kumano Sanzan in the UNESCO World Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range"...
, Shingū
Shingu, Wakayama
is a city located in Wakayama, Japan.As of May 1, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 32,288, with a household number of 16,003, and the density of 126.41 persons per km². The total area is 255.43 km²....
, Wakayama
Wakayama Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located on the Kii Peninsula in the Kansai region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Wakayama.- History :Present-day Wakayama is mostly the western part of the province of Kii.- 1953 Wakayama Prefecture flood disaster :...
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| Brought back from China by Kūkai
Kukai
Kūkai , also known posthumously as , 774–835, was a Japanese monk, civil servant, scholar, poet, and artist, founder of the Shingon or "True Word" school of Buddhism. Shingon followers usually refer to him by the honorific titles of and ....
| Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
, 8th century
| Sandalwood
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is the name of a class of fragrant woods from trees in the genus Santalum. The woods are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and unlike many other aromatic woods they retain their fragrance for decades. As well as using the harvested and cut wood in-situ, essential oils are also extracted...
,
| various Buddhist images
| 23.1 cm (9.1 in)
| , Kongōbu-ji
Kongobu-ji
Kongōbuji is the ecclesiastic head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, located on , Wakayama prefecture, Japan. Its name means Temple of the Diamond Mountain...
, Kōya
Koya, Wakayama
is a town located on a plateau atop Mt. Koya in Ito District, Wakayama, Japan. The town is known as the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism....
, Wakayama
Wakayama Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located on the Kii Peninsula in the Kansai region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Wakayama.- History :Present-day Wakayama is mostly the western part of the province of Kii.- 1953 Wakayama Prefecture flood disaster :...
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| and two
| Unusual combination of deities in this triad
| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, second half of 9th century
| Wood, single tree, gold leaf over lacquer
| Standing Thousand-armed Kannon and two standing Bodhisattva
Bodhisattva
In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is either an enlightened existence or an enlightenment-being or, given the variant Sanskrit spelling satva rather than sattva, "heroic-minded one for enlightenment ." The Pali term has sometimes been translated as "wisdom-being," although in modern publications, and...
s, believed to be Nikkō Bosatsu
Nikko bosatsu
Suryaprabha Bodhisattva, or Nikkō Bosatsu in Japanese, is a bodhisattva whose specialty is sunlight and good health. Nikkō is often seen with Gakkō Bosatsu , as the two siblings serve Yakushi or the Medicine Buddha...
and Gakkō Bosatsu (Bodhisattva
Bodhisattva
In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is either an enlightened existence or an enlightenment-being or, given the variant Sanskrit spelling satva rather than sattva, "heroic-minded one for enlightenment ." The Pali term has sometimes been translated as "wisdom-being," although in modern publications, and...
s of sun and moon light)
| 294.2 cm (115.8 in) (Kannon), 241.5 cm (95.1 in) (Nikkō), 242.4 cm (95.4 in) (Gakkō)
| , , Hidakagawa
Hidakagawa, Wakayama
is a town in Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. It resulted from the May 2005 merger of the town of Kawabe and the villages of Nakatsu and Miyama. As of January 1, 2007, Hidakagawa has a population of 11,478 and an area of 331.61 km² for a population density of 34.613 people per...
, Wakayama
Wakayama Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located on the Kii Peninsula in the Kansai region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Wakayama.- History :Present-day Wakayama is mostly the western part of the province of Kii.- 1953 Wakayama Prefecture flood disaster :...
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| Only six of the eight statues date to the Kamakura period and are National Treasures. The remaining two were produced in the 14th century and are not included in this nomination. By Unkei
Unkei
Unkei was a Japanese sculptor of the Kei school, which flourished in the Kamakura period. He specialized in statues of the Buddha and other important Buddhist figures. Unkei's early works are fairly traditional, similar in style to pieces by his father, Kōkei...
. Formerly enshrined in the
| Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
, 1197
| Colored hinoki wood, crystal eyes
| Six of the Eight Attendants of Fudō Myōō: , , , , ,
| 96.6 cm (38 in) (Ekō), 98.8 cm (38.9 in) (Eki), 95.1 cm (37.4 in) (Ukubaga), 97.1 cm (38.2 in) (Shōjō), 95.6 cm (37.6 in) (Kongara), 103 cm (40.6 in) (Seitaka)
| , Kongōbu-ji
Kongobu-ji
Kongōbuji is the ecclesiastic head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, located on , Wakayama prefecture, Japan. Its name means Temple of the Diamond Mountain...
, Kōya
Koya, Wakayama
is a town located on a plateau atop Mt. Koya in Ito District, Wakayama, Japan. The town is known as the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism....
, Wakayama
Wakayama Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located on the Kii Peninsula in the Kansai region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Wakayama.- History :Present-day Wakayama is mostly the western part of the province of Kii.- 1953 Wakayama Prefecture flood disaster :...
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| Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, 892
| Colored hinoki wood, single tree
| Seated Miroku Bosatsu
| 91 cm (35.8 in)
| Jison-in
Jison-in
is a Buddhist temple that marks the entrance to the pilgrimage route of Koyasan. It is part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" UNESCO World Heritage Site....
, Kudoyama
Kudoyama, Wakayama
is a town located in Ito District, Wakayama, Japan.As of 2003, the town has an estimated population of 5,801 and a density of 131.27 persons per km². The total area is 44.19 km².-External links:*...
, Wakayama
Wakayama Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located on the Kii Peninsula in the Kansai region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Wakayama.- History :Present-day Wakayama is mostly the western part of the province of Kii.- 1953 Wakayama Prefecture flood disaster :...
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| Only National Treasure sculptures of stone.
| late Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
–early Kamakura period
Kamakura period
The is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo....
| Colored stone
| 59 statues in total in four groups. (i) : 13 statues; (ii) : 3 statues; (iii) , 1st cave: 25 statues (iv) Hoki group, 2nd cave: 18 statues
| 26.8 –
| Usuki
Usuki, Oita
is a city located on the east coast of Ōita Prefecture, Japan. It is famous for its Usuki Stone Buddhas, a national treasure, and its soy sauce production. Recently it has become known for having the look and feel of a Japanese castle town...
, Ōita
Oita Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan on Kyūshū Island. The prefectural capital is the city of Ōita.- History :Around the 6th century Kyushu consisted of four regions: Tsukushi-no-kuni 筑紫国, Hi-no-kuni 肥国, and Toyo no kuni...
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See also
- Japanese sculptureJapanese sculptureThe sculpture of Japan started from the clay figure. Japanese sculpture received the influence of the Silk Road culture in the 5th century, and received a strong influence from Chinese sculpture afterwards. The influence of the Western world was received since the Meiji era. The sculptures were...
- Shinjo ItoShinjo Itois the founder of the reputed Buddhist school Shinnyo-en.He was born in Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan. After a career as an aeronautic engineer, he dedicated himself to a religious life...
- Nara Research Institute for Cultural PropertiesNara Research Institute for Cultural PropertiesOne of two research institutes that comprise the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, an independent administrative institution created in 2001. Established in 1972, the is located in the city of Nara, Japan with branches elsewhere in Nara prefecture...
- Tokyo Research Institute for Cultural PropertiesTokyo Research Institute for Cultural PropertiesOne of the two research institutes in Japan that are comprised by the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, an independent administrative institution created in 2001...
- Independent Administrative Institution National MuseumIndependent Administrative Institution National MuseumIndependent Administrative Institution National Museum was the official name of the corporate entity created by the Japanese government in 2001 by merging three formerly independent national museums—the Tokyo National Museum, the Kyoto National Museum, and the Nara National Museum...