Chusonji Temple: Octagonal Platform

JAPAN, Iwate, Nishiiwai; Heian period

This platform was made during the earlier half of the 12th century and was used as the base for the Manjusri Bodhisattva Pentad, which is now in the collection of the temple’s Sankozo Museum. The platform was listed as a National Treasure in 1958.
The octagonal platform is made from black lacquered wood with mother-of-pearl inlay. It is 52.5 cm high and 193.9 cm wide, with each side measuring 74.5 cm. On each side panel there is a depiction of a mythical creature with the head of a woman and the body and wings of a bird. They stand on lotus pedestals and wear crowns and silk stoles. The creature on the front panel has a percussion instrument, while the others have pots with flowers.
The upper and lower borders of the platform are decorated with a three-prong vajra on each face. There is a horizontal vajra on each of the corners.
This unusual platform is exquisitely decorated and shows the excellent craftsmanship of the late Heian period (794–1185).