Todai-ji By Spencer McLane

Todai-ji Nara, Japan -Various Artists, including sculptors Unkei and Keikei, as well as the Kei School -743 CE; rebuilt c. 1700 CE -Bronze and wood (sculpture); wood with ceramic tile roofing (architecture) Also known as the Great Eastern Temple. At the time of its construction it was the largest building structure in Japan and still is the largest wooden structure in the world. It was originally built based on the ideas of Buddhism and Japanese politics, but when it was rebuilt after being destroyed in the Genpei Civil War it was based on Shogun culture and was key in the founding of Japan’s prestigious school of sculpture. The only remaining part of the original structure is a single octagonal lantern. It includes two nine-story pagodas, a lecture hall and quarters for the monks. Dimensions Width 57.012m Length 50.480m Height 48.742m

Other Images The Great Buddha On the left is the Great Buddha, also known as the Vairocana. Vairocana is the Buddha of light. It is featured in the hondo (main hall) of the temple. It is made out of bronze and it was made in 743-752 C.E. The figure itself was completed in 749, but, his hair took some additional time. The Buddha’s head fell off in 855 CE. The copper backing used all the copper available in Japan at the time. It is said that Emperor Shōmu sat in front of Great Buddha and vowed to be a servant of the Three Treasures of Buddhism: the Buddha, Buddhist Law, and Buddhist Monastic Community. On the right is the Great South Gate of the temple complex which holds the two Nio Guardian Statue created by the Kei School of Sculpture. The Great Buddha

Other Images Nio Guardian Statues These are the two statues in Great South Gate. On the left is Ungyo and on the right is Agyo. There are made out of cypress wood and are over 25 feet tall. They were originally painted, but it has faded over time. Nio Guardian Statues

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