The Reconstruction of Tōdaiji Temple in the Edo Period
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Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
September 18, 2024 (Wed) - March 9, 2025 (Sun)Tōdaiji, one of the most recognizable temples in the ancient capital of Nara, was burned down and reconstructed multiple times in history.
During Japan’s Warring States period—roughly a century between the mid-1400s and mid-1500s—the temple’s major halls and pagodas were reduced to ashes amidst fighting between warlords. In the Edo period (1603–1868), the temple’s Great Buddha Hall was reconstructed as we see it today, along with the entire temple grounds.
This section of the gallery presents roof tiles used on some of the major structures of Tōdaiji Temple when the temple underwent the Edo-period reconstruction.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Roof Tile with the Inscription "Great Buddha Hall, Tōdaiji Temple" and the Character for "A" in Siddham Script | Found at Tōdaiji Temple, Nara | Edo period, 17th–19th century | J-23922-4 | |||
| Highlight | Roof Tile with the Inscription "Great South Gate" | Used at the Great South Gate of Tōdaiji Temple, Nara | Edo period, 17th–19th century | J-23922-5 | |||
| Highlight | Roof Tile with the Inscription "Shōsōin Repository, Tōdaiji Temple" | Used at the Shōsōin Repository, Nara | Edo period, Tenpō era (1830–1844) | J-24210-2 |