Hearth Frame

Toshodaiji is one of the seven great temples of Nara and was constructed in Nara in 759 by the Chinese monk Jianzhen as the head temple of the Ritsu sect of Buddhism. The Kondo of this temple is the only extant example of a Nara period Kondo.

This hearth edge was made from old wood taken from the inner structure of the Toshodaiji Kondo, and is branded with square brands that state "Toshodaiji." The box inscription was written by the shogunal advisor, Kitagawa Chikai.