"The Diabutsuden Temple", built in the 743-752/1180-1230 ©2001 photo Elroy Christenson
This is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. Commissioned
by Emperor Shomu for the Rushana Buddha, "The Buddha of Universal
Light," from 743-752. It was originally built when Nara was the capital
of Japan. This was one of the largest bronze Buddhas every built. The
original Buddha was 52 feet tall and took 370,000 metalsmiths to
produce. The building was burned down 1180 and rebuilt and the Buddha
recast by 1230 by a Chinese sculptor, Chen Hoquig, and Unkei, one of
the premier sculptors of Medieval Japan.
