Amida-do, the main hall of Eikando temple complex, was moved from Shitenno-ji temple to Eikando in
1607. Historical documents say that Amida-do was decorated with many paintings to visualize the
world of Pure Land. But 400 year-time makes the paintings fade out. Many parts of the hall were
repainted over by urushi, a Japanese lacquer.
In 2006, a basic research was started to restore them. A painstaking work revealed that there were
hundreds of patterns and figures on the beams and pillars in the hall. Researchers also found the
handwriting by an ancient carpenter on an above part of a pillar. It says “ぬし やぎゅう・・・ 慶長十二年・・・”.
“慶長十二年” means the year of 1607. This handwriting backs up a record of the historical documents.
Specialists traced these figures and restored the original images and also analyzed the painting
materials. For four years, many paintings are restored. The work was completed in October, 2010. A
quarter of the hall is left without any work for the future research. The following pictures are
some of the restored paintings.
When you visit Eikando, do not miss to appreciate the restored paintings with vivid colors and gold.
You will be surely impressed by them, the world of Pure Land which was an image of the Buddha's
world of ancient people.
Hiten (Heavenly music player )
An ornament of a pillar with gold foil
Hiten (part)
Zuicho (A kind of a bird in Pure Land )
Dragon
Restored paintings on the beams