Horyuji Temple East Bell Tower
Horyuji Temple East Bell Tower
JAPAN, Nara, Ikoma
The bell tower is located in the eastern complex, southwest of the Dharma Transmision Hall. It was built in 1163 and underwent major repair during the middle Kamakura period (1185–1333). It retains the architectural structure of the Kamakura period. The lower part of the tower is trapezoidal, in a style known as hakamagoshi. It is one of the oldest bell towers in this style in Japan. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1955.
The bell tower has two levels and is surmounted by a hip-and-gable roof covered with cylindrical tiles. The upper level has two-tier bracket sets that support the eaves. It is surrounded by low balustrades. The bell, which is from the Nara period (710–794), hangs in the upper level. It is listed as an Important Cultural Property.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Architecture G-L, page 459.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Johnson, Peter and Mankuang and Lancaster, Lewis,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Architecture G-L},
pages = 459,
title = {{Horyuji Temple East Bell Tower}},
volume = 2,
year = {2016}}