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Enryakuji Temple Nyohodo Hall: Sutra Box
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Enryakuji Temple Nyohodo Hall: Sutra Box
JAPAN, Shiga, Otsu; Heian period (794–1185), dated 1031; Gold and silver plated bronze; H: 8.3 cm
Cast in 1031, this sutra box was unearthed from Nyohodo Hall of Enryakuji Temple in Yokawa Valley at Mount Hiei when a new pagoda was being constructed. It was found in a bronze box with crystal beads and some wooden fragments. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1952.
According to records from Enryakuji Temple, Kakucho and other monks buried a box containing two copies of the Lotus Sutra: one transcribed by Jikaku Ennin in 833, and the other by Jyoto Monin.
The rectangular box is 27 cm long, 12 cm wide, and 8 cm high. The center of the lid is an inscription reading Lotus Sutra." The box is covered in a delicate and finely engraved floral pattern." |
