Altar-Consecrating Objects from the Kondo (Great Buddha Hall) of Todaiji

Treasures Found beneath the Great Buddha

The Altar-Consecrating Objects from the Kondo (Great Buddha Hall) of Todaiji (東大寺金堂鎭壇具) is Nara-period altar-consecrating objects excavated from the altar of the Great Buddha Hall (Kondo) of Todaiji, held by Todaiji in Zoshi-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, which in 1957 were designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one set dated to around 750, first designated under the old system in 1930.

According to the Nara National Museum, they were found during repairs to the Great Buddha Hall in 1907 and 1908.

The Objects

According to the museum, they were found when pits about 45 centimetres deep were dug around the lotus pedestal of the Great Buddha on the altar.

They include a gilt silver jar with hunting scenes, two crystal lidded boxes, a gilt silver cicada-shaped padlock, fragments of a lacquered leather box, three swords with gold inlay, two with gold and silver mounts and one with silver mounts, beads, knife fragments and fragments of armour.

What to Look For

Swords, armour and gold and silver vessels placed around the Great Buddha's pedestal survive together.

They are treasures of Todaiji that have also been shown at the Nara National Museum's Shoso-in exhibition.

Visiting the Altar-Consecrating Objects from the Kondo (Great Buddha Hall) of Todaiji

The objects are held by Todaiji and are not always on display. Todaiji says the Todaiji Museum is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (to 5:00 p.m. from November to March).

Check Todaiji's announcements for display.