Wood and Bamboo

Miniature Pagodas for Votive Offering

  • Japan Nara period, 8th century
  • Wood
  • (right)h: 21.7cm bd: 10.5cm (left)h: 21.2cm bd: 10.7cm
  • [60001]

These small wooden models of three-storied pagodas were two of the Hyakumantō, “The 10,000 pagodas” commissioned by Empress Kōken in 770. A printed copy of the darani Buddhist text was placed inside each miniature pagoda.