Search Results: Nara

Nara, located around 30 km south of modern Kyoto, was the capital of ancient Japan between 710 and 784 CE. It gave its name to the Nara Period (710-794 CE), although the name during the 8th century CE was Heijokyo. Modelled on the Chinese...

The Nara Period (Nara Jidai) of ancient Japan (710-794 CE), so called because for most of that time the capital was located at Nara, then known as Heijokyo, was a short period of transition prior to the significant Heian Period. Despite the...

These are miniature stupas (hyakumanto). A stupa is a structure in a Buddhist temple that contains religious relics. Empress Shotoku (reigned 764-770 CE) ordered a million of these miniature wooden stupas to be made. Each one contained a...

An eight-lobed cast bronze mirror with flowers and luan (a mythical bird) decoration. From Mount Tsuwado, Mukuno, Yamaga-machi, Kitsuki-shi, Oita, Japan. Nara Period, 8th century CE. Tokyo National Museum)

Votive lanterns at the Kasuga Taisha Shinto shrine, Nara, Japan. Founded in 768 CE (or 710 CE) during the Nara period.

The Main Hall and pagoda of the Buddhist Kofukuji temple complex in Nara, Japan. Founded in 669 CE and moved to Nara in 710 CE.

A ridge-end roof tile in the form of a demon face, Nakayama kiln, Nara, Japan. Nara Period (710-794 CE). (Tokyo National Museum)

A gilded cast bronze cinerary urn from the Nara Period (710-794 CE). From Kamori, Katsuragi-shi, Nara, Japan. Important Cultural Property (Tokyo National Museum)

The Yakushi Triad in the Main Hall of Yakushiji temple, Nara, Japan. Bronze, 680-718 CE. Yakushi Nyorai is the Buddha of healing and the seated figure is flanked by two bodhisattvas. The Yakushi figure is 4.3 metres (14 ft.) in height.

Ancient Japan has made unique contributions to world culture which include the Shinto religion and its architecture, distinctive art objects such as haniwa figurines, the oldest pottery vessels in the world, the largest wooden buildings anywhere...