One of the “One Million Pagodas” (Hyakumanto) and Invocation

Japan

Not on view

These miniature wooden pagodas are two of one million commissioned by Empress Shōtoku (718–770) and distributed to Japan’s ten major temples. The offering commemorated and offered thanks to Buddhist deities for their help in suppressing the Emi Rebellion in 764. These examples belonged to the Hōryūji temple in Nara, where three thousand pagodas were given away in 1908 to supporters. Each pagoda was painted white and contained a printed invocation.

On view for all rotations.

One of the “One Million Pagodas” (Hyakumanto) and Invocation, Japanese cypress (hinoki), Cleyera ochnacea (sakaki), and ink on paper , Japan

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One of the “One Million Pagodas” (Hyakumanto) and Invocation, Japanese cypress (hinoki), Cleyera ochnacea (sakaki), and ink on paper , Japan
One of the “One Million Pagodas” (Hyakumanto) and Invocation, Japanese cypress (hinoki), Cleyera ochnacea (sakaki), and ink on paper , Japan
One of the “One Million Pagodas” (Hyakumanto) and Invocation, Japanese cypress (hinoki), Cleyera ochnacea (sakaki), and ink on paper , Japan
One of the “One Million Pagodas” (Hyakumanto) and Invocation, Japanese cypress (hinoki), Cleyera ochnacea (sakaki), and ink on paper , Japan

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