rokkaku sanjuu-no-tou　六角三重塔

KEY WORD :　architecture / buildings & structures

A type of three-storied, hexagonal pagoda made in relief on a copper plate in accordance with an explanation found in the HOKEKYOU KENHOUTOUBON 法華経見宝塔品 (the Lotus Sutra with a treasure pagoda, 686). The book is owned by Hasedera 長谷寺 in Nara. The pagoda is depicted as being built on an hexagonal podium with a broad stairway flanked by pent-roofed enclosures. The first story entrance has two Buddhas, the Tahou nyorai 多宝如来 (Sk: Prabhutaratna) and Shakyamuni *Shaka 釈迦. Similar pagodas are found on rock at both the Unkou 雲岡 and Ryuumon 竜門 caves in China. The same two Buddha images were seated side by side. The copper relief reflects strong Chinese influence.

REFERENCES:

*houtou 宝塔, *tahoutou 多宝塔, *daitou 大塔

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