THIRD THURSDAY LECTURE - SAINSBURY INSTITUTE

Dr Meri Arichi (Chair, Circle of Japanese Art London and former Senior Teaching Fellow at SOAS)

About the Talk

The Great Buddha of the Todai-ji (Great Eastern Temple) of Nara was commissioned in the first half of the 8th century by Emperor Shomu who aimed to unify the country by creating a network of temples in all provinces. The colossal bronze statue of Buddha, over 16 metres high, was to be the centre of the Kokubun-ji network and the symbol of imperial authority. Its completion in 752 was marked by a grand ceremony, attended by the Emperor and Empress, aristocrats, thousands of officials and monks, as well as foreign guests from many regions of Asia. The ceremonial artefacts used in this occasion are still preserved in the temple storehouse Shoso-in, together with the Emperor Shomu’s personal belongings. The wide variety of objects in the Shoso-in collection includes many rare works of art originating from the countries along the Silk Road, suggesting the active trade and the international nature of the Buddhist world at the time.

In-person lecture at the Sainsbury Institute and online via Zoom.
50 min lecture followed by Q&A.
Free and open to all, booking essential.