8th-century Buddhist Images Back on Exhibit After Major Face-lift

THE ASAHI SHIMBUN

Reporters check out the 10 Buddhist statues from the eighth century at Todaiji temple's Hokkedo Hall

JAPAN---After intermittent closures since 2010 for restoration work, Hokkedo Hall at the eighth-century Todaiji temple is set to reopen to the public on May 18 to show off its 1,000-year-old national treasures. On a restored raised platform, visitors will be able to check out 10 Buddhist statues from the Nara Period (710-784) at the temple in Nara, Nara Prefecture. Called "Shumidan," the restored platform is less crowded than before and offers modern LED lighting, the better to view the Buddhas, which have also been restored. Shumidan used to house 16 statues, including the principal image of Fukukensaku Kannon, as well as Bonten. Hokkedo Hall is a national treasure and the oldest structure in the temple. [link]