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Zuto Stupa Sculptures
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Zuto Stupa Sculptures
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Zuto Stupa Sculptures
JAPAN, Nara; Nara period (710–794), dated 767–770; Granite
According to the records at Todaiji Temple, a stupa shaped like an earthen mound was constructed nearby on Roben 's instructions. This is in reference to the Zuto Stupa that is located to the south of the temple. What emerged upon excavation was a seven-stepped pyramidal structure on a square base. The sides taper from 32 m at the bottom to 6 m at the top. Eleven niches were built into each of the first, third, fifth, and seventh tiers, that are distributed around all four sides, and house 44 stone Buddhas in bas relief or line carvings. Some of these have been restored and protected with an overhead roof. In addition, there are reliefs depicting Sakyamuni Buddha 's parinirvana, the Eight Great Events from the Life of the Buddha, and illustrations of the Pure Land. The site is recognized as Japan 's earliest example of stone Buddhist sculptures and is a National Historical Site, while the Zuto Stupa Sculptures are listed as Important Cultural Properties.
The figures vary in size with traces of paint visible. There are three large Buddhas seated under canopies adorned with auspicious floral patterns, while the lower section consists of Bodhisattvas making offerings. Behind the mid-sized Buddhas is a pavilion in the background. The Buddha teaches an audience of Bodhisattvas and monks. Those of smaller size are single figures while the seven-figure composition features a double-roofed pavilion with wind chimes dangling from the eaves. Below this, Sakyamuni Buddha sits with his right and left hands probably in abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras, accompanied by a Bodhisattva and then a monk on either side. Smaller figures flank them with palms joined in what looks like the anjali (reverence) mudra. |
