The Construction Date of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple Identified
The construction date of the East Pagoda (National Treasure) of Yakushiji temple in Nara City, which had been dismantled for restoration, was identified by dendrochronological dating. Yakushiji temple and the Nara National Institute for Cultural Properties announced on December 19 that the central pillar and five members of the East Pagoda were made of cypress wood cut in the first half of the eighth century (the first half of the Nara period). There had been two theories concerning the East Pagoda since the Meiji period: one was that it might have been moved from Fujiwarakyō during the Asuka period whereas the other was that it might have been newly built after the capital was relocated to Heiankyō. The discovery proved that the newly built theory became now definitive. (Japanese)
created: 19/08/2024modified: 25/12/2024 (Update History)