Byodoin Temple Phoenix Hall: Wooden Canopy

JAPAN, Kyoto, Uji

This wooden canopy is suspended from the ceiling of Phoenix Hall in Byodoin Temple. It was completed in 1053 during the Heian period and was possibly made by the famous sculptor Jocho, who sculpted the statue of Amitabha Buddha beneath the canopy. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1956.
The lacquered and gilded canopy is made of juniper wood. It measures 487 cm long and 436 cm wide. In the center of the canopy there is an eight-petal gilt flower medallion with a diameter of 294 cm. It has an elaborate floral and leaf design within a circle of beads. Outside the confines of the circle the flowers and leaves become more profuse. In contrast to the medallion the rest of the canopy is laid out on a grid pattern with miniature squares within the larger squares. The sides of the canopy consist of a series of openwork panels which are intricately decorated with floral patterns. The panels are connected to the canopy by plain curved wooden ties.
The canopy and ceiling are similar in their intricate and exquisite design. They and the statue of Amitabha Buddha complement each other and create a beautiful sense of balance and harmony. It is a splendid example of craftsmanship from the late Heian period.