Temple of Great Peace
The World of Daianji and Buddhist Art in Ancient Nara

Daianji traces its origins back through its predecessors to the first temple to be established at the behest of an emperor on the Japanese archipelago. Its expansive grounds and extensive halls were truly a sight to behold among the institutions of the ancient capital of Heijō during the Nara period (710–794). At that time, it was counted among the Seven Great Temples of Nanto, the southern capital, along with Tōdaiji and Kōfukuji. For much of its history, it was the foremost temple in the realm. Nearly a thousand priests from this country and abroad studied at Daianji, many of whom went on to important activities and accomplishments in various fields. Daianji was a profoundly influential institution at the center of Buddhist practice and learning in its time. This exhibition presents Daianji’s world, reconstructing the temple’s history and bringing to life its significance through temple treasures, works of art related to its context, and findings from excavations.