“National Treasure, Byodoin Hoo-do Heisei Repair,” which commenced on September 3, 2012 was completed on September 30, 2014.
Hoo-do was built in 1053, in pursuit of ultimate beauty representing the scenes of West Gokuraku-Jodo (nirvana).
Hoo-do comprised of a total of 4 structures of Chudo (Central Hall), Yokuro (Wing Corridors) and Biro (Tail Corridor) boasts architectural beauty like the palace of Amida Nyorai(Amitabha Tathagata), floating on a treasure pond of Paradise.
Even though the building is ornated and beautiful, many repairs have taken place over the years as a result of the structural load.
Japanese traditional buildings have been passed down to this day by conducting regular repairs and will be passed down to the next generation.
This Heisei Repair was a partial repair mainly of re-roofing and repainting of external paintings as damage to the roof tiles and peeling of external paint became significant as over 50 years passed since the previous Showa Repair.
The concept of the repair was to maintain the status quo, but some specifications and designs, etc., have been restored to the old forms, which have been proved through previous research and study.
In this Exhibition, we introduce the must-see spots of Hoo-do, which has been reborn to its closest form since the Heian Period and exhibit basic materials for the repair.
Demon’s Head Tile on Main Ridge of Hoo-do Chudo (first disclosure)
In connection with this, we will hold a Hoo-do Heisei Repair Completion Memorial Exhibition on the 1st Floor of Hoshokan.
Hoo-do, a gift from our ancestors, was repaired by artisans who have professional expertise and advanced skills and was reborn to the Period of Heisei.
We hope that you can feel the ambition of repair by the artisans who made their best efforts to preserve and pass down Hoo-do.
Period: From Saturday, September 27, 2014 to Thursday, March 26, 2015
Place: Byodoin Museum Hoshokan (116 Uji Renge, Uji-shi, Kyoto)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. ~ 5:00 p.m.
Fee: Admission fee to Byodoin is required
Host: Religious Corporation:Byodoin