Amidaji Temple (Todaiji Branch Temple)
Main Image Wooden Seated Portrait of Monk Chogen Category Other
Impression TagsDepthDignityStillness
DescriptionA wooden seated portrait statue of the monk Chogen, who played a major role in rebuilding Todaiji, is preserved at Amidaji, a branch temple of Todaiji. Dating to the Kamakura period, it is carved from a single piece of cypress, measures 88.2 cm high, and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. After Todaiji was destroyed by fire in the late Heian period, Chogen led its reconstruction, supervising the cutting and transport of timber from the forests of Suo Province. Amidaji, founded by Chogen in 1187, still preserves objects associated with him. This portrait can be viewed in the temple's Treasure Museum, which also houses the National Treasure iron pagoda. The local official tourism guide states that museum visits require a reservation by the previous day and an admission fee. This is a portrait of a Buddhist monk rather than a Buddha image.
Basic Information
Visit posts for this spot
No visit posts yet.