Myooin Temple: Plaque with Pagoda

JAPAN, Hiroshima, Fukuyama; Muromachi period

With a diameter of 109 cm, this is the largest of the 12 plaques said to have been hung in Myooin Temple during the Muromachi period.
The round plaque is made of wood and is covered in gilt copper alloy. In the middle of the plaque, there is a pagoda with a double layer base, cylindrical body with an upper section surrounded by balustrades, and a square pyramidal roof with an inverted bowl, flower bowl, stacked rings, and jeweled finial. The pagoda is flanked by canopies, under which stand Vaisravana and Acala. Originally, there was a vase with flowers on both sides, but only one remains. The plaque has two outer rings with groups of round studs alternating with vajras. On the upper rim, there are lions’ faces to which rings are attached for hanging the plaque.
The names of the creators and donors, as well as the date of production, appear on the back.