Amidaji Temple: Reliquary Stupa and Reliquary

JAPAN, Yamaguchi, Hofu; Kamakura period

The oldest reliquary stupa in Japan, it was created by Shunjobo Chogen in 1197 during the Kamakura period and was placed in Amidaji Temple. It was listed a National Treasure in 1954.
The stupa is about 3 m high and stands on a square base with the Diamond Realm seed syllable in the center of each side. On both sides of the seed syllable, there are inscriptions written by Shunjobo Chogen, recording the origin, year, vows, and the names of the craftsmen. From the inscription, it is known that the craftsmen of the pagoda also participated in casting the Vairocana Buddha at Todaiji Temple in Nara.
This iron stupa has a cylindrical body with a rectangular opening at the front. The square pyramidal roof is surmounted by a square harmika, inverted bowl, upright lotus, nine stacked rings, and a water flame. The finial consists of two jewels. Inside the large stupa, there is a small crystal five-element stupa with a height of 13.9 cm. Seven relics are enshrined within the reliquary.