Fragments of square tile with figure seated Buddha (Excavated from a temple site of Natsumi, Mie)

Baked clay
(original size) 23.2x14.4
Asuka period　7th century

Fragments of square tile with figure seated Buddha (Excavated from a temple site of Natsumi, Mie)
  • H040346
Fragments of square tile with figure seated Buddha (Excavated from a temple site of Natsumi, Mie)_0
  • H040346
  • 2017/09/05
Fragments of square tile with figure seated Buddha (Excavated from a temple site of Natsumi, Mie)_1
  • D057296
  • 2009/12/14
Fragments of square tile with figure seated Buddha (Excavated from a temple site of Natsumi, Mie)_2
  • A031435
  • 2009/12/14
Fragments of square tile with figure seated Buddha (Excavated from a temple site of Natsumi, Mie)_3
  • A024014
  •  

More

The Imperial Princess Ōku (661–701), daughter of Emperor Tenmu(? –686 ;r.673–686),established the temple where these fragmentswere excavated. It appears as though countles senbutsu tiles in various sizes adorned the interior walls of the Golden Hall (Kondō). Senbutsu are earthenware tiles featuring Buddhist figures in relief. This particular example is rather unique: it is rare for the Buddha of a triad on a square votive tile to have a flaming mandorla and a svastika (J. manji;) in relief on its chest. 
Object label 

Accession Number 517-0
Category Archaeological Works
Provenance Excavated from a temple site of Natsumi, Mie
Donation Gift of Mr. Sueji Umehara
Bibliography Hakuhō, the First Full Flowering of Buddhist Art in Japan : Special Exhibition Celebrating the 120th Anniversary of the Nara National Museum. 2015, 298p. (Japanese) Women and Buddhism. Nara National Museum, 2003, 263,xviip. (Japanese) Illustrated Catalogue of the Collection of Nara National Museum: Buddhist Archaeological Objects. Nara National Museum, 1993, 156p. (Japanese) Ancient archaeological treasures: inscribed works. Nara National Museum, 1989, 126p. (Japanese) Oshidashibutsu to Butsuzōgata. Nara National Museum, 1983, 44p. (Japanese) Sources of Japanese Buddhist art. Nara National Museum, 1978, 403p. (Japanese)

Page Top