Nara and Daibutsu
= some explanations about the photos =
- Nara
- City of Nara in Nara Prefecture is located at the southern direction of Kyoto and the older capital of Japan than Kyoto. There are many old temples and many deer in the city.
- Daibutsu
- Daibutsu means "colossal statue of Buddha". It's made of copper and its height is about 15 meters or 50 feet. It was originally made in 8th century as a national project to reveal the emperor's power and national unification. But it was destroyed by wars and disasters, and the present statue was made in 1692 ( Edo Period ). The building that accommodates the huge Daibutsu is the biggest wooden building in the world and its height is 48 meters or 160 feet. Daibutsu and the building are assigned as national treasures. These are of Tohdaiji Temple.
- Niou
- Niou is the pair of the statues put at the gate (Sanmon) of the temple, and preventing from devils intruding. The Niou of the photo was made in 1203 (Kamakura Period) by a famous sculptor Unkei. It's also a national treasure.
- Octagonal Lantern
- It's made in 8th century to decorate the temple of Daibutsu. It's made of copper and it's height is about 4.6 meters or 14 feet. Buddhist saints playing the flute or old instruments are sculpted lively on the side plates. It's also assigned as a national treasure.
- Hill burning
- At Wakakusa Hill near Tohdaiji Temple on January 15 every year, old weed is burned to prevent insects harm and to assist lively budding. The name "Wakakusa" means young budded grass.
Homepage on Nara City
