Todaiji Temple Lantern

JAPAN, Nara

This gilt bronze lantern is located in front of the Golden Hall at Todaiji Temple. It was cast during the 8th century and is a fine example of metalwork from the Nara period (710–794). It was designated a National Treasure in 1956.
The lantern is 462 cm high and consists of a base, pillar, lamp, roof, and finial. The pillar stands on a lotus pedestal that rests on a two-layer base. There are carvings of sutras on all eight sides of the pillar, including the Sutra on Bodhisattva’s Past Deeds. The background of the lamp was formed by the piercing technique and consists of diamond and floral patterns. Lions are superimposed on the four sets of doors and alternate with Bodhisattvas on the sides. The lamp has an octagonal pyramidal roof, whose corners are upturned in an exaggerated way. There are wind chimes hanging from each corner. At the top there is a bowl followed by a canopy and a jewel surrounded by flames.