Kairyuoji Temple West Golden Hall: Model Pagoda

JAPAN, Nara; Nara period

This one-tenth size wooden model of a five-story pagoda is located in Kairyuoji Temple and was listed as a National Treasure in 1951.
The pagoda has an overall height of 4 m. The three-by-three bay structure stands upon a two-layer base. The pagoda is surmounted by a spire and finial. The eaves are covered with imitation cylindrical tiles in wood and they are supported by rafters and three-tier bracket sets. The gently sloping roofs are slightly upturned at the corners, and the eaves and roofs are styled with features of the Nara period (710–794). Bracket sets and downward-pointing cantilevers of the first level are similar to those of Yakushiji Temple East Pagoda. The first level is open without walls or doors, and it is believed to have been used for storing Buddha relics and sutras. The remaining levels are enclosed with walls and doors, and surrounded by balustrades. The interior has a dome-shaped ceiling and no pillars.