Name/TitleHōryūji (法隆寺), Nara, Japan

About this objectHōryūji (法隆寺) was founded by Prince Shōtoku (聖徳太子, 572–622) in 607 in honour of his father. It was dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai (薬師如来), the Buddha of healing. The original temple, known as Wakakusa-garan (若草伽藍), was lost, probably burned down after a lightning strike in 670. The temple was reconstructed but slightly reoriented in a northwest position, and believed to have been completed by c.711. Several other fires have damaged the temple but the main hall is claimed to be the world's oldest building. The stupa, in pagoda form, is also built of wood around a wooden core. A dendrochronological analysis of the pillar suggests the tree used was felled in 594. It is believed to hold relics of bones of the Buddha and contains four sculpted scenes from the Buddha's life.

Date Made607

PeriodAsuka

Place MadeJapan

Subject and Association KeywordsArrivals

Subject and Association KeywordsStupas

Subject and Association DescriptionLearn more: Fraser nd; UNESCO World Heritage site 660; Walley 2016

Medium and MaterialsWood

Credit LineWikimedia Commons: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

Object numberEXH20: UNESCO 660