Koonji Temple Avalokitesvara Hall

JAPAN, Osaka, Kaizuka

The Avalokitesvara Hall, is located within Koonji (Filial Piety Temple). Built between the Kamakura (1185–1333) and Nanbokucho (1336–1392) periods, this hall was constructed by Master Gyoki. When the temple was deserted during the Meiji period (1868–1912), it merged with Koonji Temple. This structure, known as the “hall made of wood and no nails,” was listed as a National Treasure in 1953.
Constructed on top of a stone base, the five-by-five-bay hall is built with a single-eave hip roof covered with cylindrical tiles. The front two bays are used as the worshipping area while the remaining three make up the inner shrine, with the two areas separated by rhombic lattice windows and wooden panels. The front entrance has paneled doors with mullioned windows on both sides. The decorated camel-humps that are found at the top also provide support to the structure. A statue of seated Amitabha Buddha is enshrined within the hall.