Hoonji Temple, Morioka

It took 9 sculptors 4 years to carve 500 statues of Buddha's disciples in Hoonji (Hoon Temple) in Morioka, completing them in 1735. They are made from wood, using a finish of laquer or gold.

thai girl descending the stairs of the temple

Temple number 88 of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage

Temple in Arashiyama, Japan

Temple proper

Iwate Pref. Japan.

Byodoin Temple, Kyoto, Japan In 1052, Byodoin Temple was built by the Regent, Fujiwara no Yorimichi by rebuilding the villa, given by his father, Michinaga. The year 1052 was said to be the beginning of a decadent age when Buddhism was thought to be dying out and pessimism due to decadence infected the minds of aristocrats and monks. Jodoshinko (belief in Jodo), which prays for peaceful death and rebirth in Gokuraku (nirvana), widely spread throughout society. In 1053, the following year, Amidado (Hoo-do (Phoenix Hall)) was completed and in the Hall, the Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Tathagata) Seated Statue at a height of 2.43m, created by Jocho, the greatest sculptor during the Heian Period, was situated and it is said that it was the most extravagant of the time. The building and statutes created about 1,000 years ago have been passed down to this day and are registered as a World Heritage Site. For video, please visit youtu.be/M8-5P1AtapA

the Hoo-do (Phoenix Hall) of Byodoin Temple, National Treasure

the Hoo-do (Phoenix Hall) of Byodoin Temple, National Treasure

Byodoin Temple Uji

There are 500 statues of Buddhist disciples, each with a different expression housed in this building. HDR from 5 exposures.

Each statue is carved from wood and covered with gold leaf.