Treasures Buried to Calm the Earth
The Altar-Consecrating Objects from the Kondo of Kofukuji (Kofukuji portion) (興福寺金堂鎮壇具) is Nara-period altar-consecrating objects excavated from the platform of the Chu-Kondo of Kofukuji and held by Kofukuji in Noborioji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, which in 1958 were designated a National Treasure.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one set, first designated under the old system in 1923.
According to the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, the silver bowls, beads and other items found in the platform of the Chu-Kondo in 1884 passed into the collection of Kofukuji.
The Objects
The Agency's record lists two gilt silver bowls with floral patterns, part of a gilt silver stem cup with scrolls, seven silver bowls, five crystal rosary beads and six other crystal beads.
The National Institutes explain that the objects were buried when Kofukuji was built, to calm the spirits of the earth; those excavated in 1874 are held by the Tokyo National Museum and number more than 1,400 items of some thirty types.
What to Look For
The National Institutes note that altar-consecrating objects have also been found beneath the pagoda of Kawaradera and the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji, but none so varied or numerous.
The finds of 1874 and 1884 are held separately; this entry covers the Kofukuji portion.
Visiting the Altar-Consecrating Objects from the Kondo of Kofukuji (Kofukuji portion)
Check Kofukuji's announcements for display.
Q&A
- When were they designated a National Treasure?
- On 8 February 1958.
- What are altar-consecrating objects?
- Items buried beneath a temple's platform to calm the earth spirits.
- What does the Kofukuji portion include?
- Gilt silver and silver bowls and crystal beads.
- When were they found?
- In 1874 and 1884; the Kofukuji portion in 1884.
- How does it relate to the Tokyo National Museum set?
- The 1874 finds are held by the Tokyo National Museum.
Basic Information
| Name | Altar-Consecrating Objects from the Kondo of Kofukuji (Kofukuji portion) (興福寺金堂鎮壇具) |
|---|---|
| Location | Kofukuji, Noborioji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture |
| Designation | National Treasure (archaeological materials) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1958/2/8 (Showa 33); earlier designation 1923/3/28 |
| Quantity | One set |
| Dimensions | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Owner | Kofukuji |
| Public Access | Check display with Kofukuji |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Kofukuji Altar Objects (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/858
- National Institutes for Cultural Heritage collection database: Kofukuji Chu-Kondo Altar Objects (Japanese)
- https://emuseum.nich.go.jp/detail?langId=ja&content_base_id=100175&content_part_id=0&content_pict_id=0
Last verified: 2026.09.30