Tiles with Images of Buddhist Deities

Mold for Clay Relief Tiles with Buddhist Images
Found at the site of Yamadadera Temple, Nara, Asuka period, 7th century

Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
September 9, 2025 (Tue) - February 1, 2026 (Sun)

Some ancient clay tiles feature images of Buddhist deities such as buddhas and bodhisattvas rendered in relief.
To make tiles of this kind, a piece of clay was pressed against a wooden mold, dried, fired, and coated with paint or lacquer, or decorated with gold leaf or pigment.
These tiles are believed to have decorated temple walls.

Major Work(s) on Exhibit 5 results

	Designation	Name	Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance	Period	Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number	CMT
Highlight		Clay Relief Tile with a Buddha Triad	Found at Tachibanadera Temple, Nara	Asuka period, 7th century	C-1119
Highlight		Clay Relief Tile with a Buddhist God	Found at the site of Kidera Temple, Nara	Asuka period, 7th century	C-1043
Highlight	Important Art Object	Clay Relief Tile with a Buddhist God	Found at the remains of Kariyado Temple, Fukushima	Asuka period, 7th century	Gift of Mr. Katori Hozuma, J-34796
Highlight	Important Cultural Property	Clay Relief Tile with a Buddhist God	Found at Minami-Hokkeji Temple, Nara	Asuka period, 7th century	J-35633
Highlight		Mold for Clay Relief Tiles with Buddhist Images	Found at the site of Yamadadera Temple, Nara	Asuka period, 7th century	C-1021

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