Slow Walk Illustrated Guide
Zentsu-ji Garan Complex (East Temple)
kondo
Commentary
This is the Kondo Golden Hall; it is an important cultural property. Situated in the center of the Garan Complex, it is the main hall of Zentsu-ji. The current hall was rebuilt in 1699. It features a semi-gabled roof with a single-layer pent roof beneath it made from a mixture of concave and convex roof tiles (honkawarabuki). The building’s front and sides have bell-shaped windows with curved upper sections. It also has wavy vertical lattice transoms and concave roof tiles paving the earthen floor. The design features are based on the “Zenshūyō” traditional Zen-style of architecture. The Honzon is a seated statue of the Bhaisajyaguru (Buddha able to cure all ills) made by the Great Omuro Buddhist image maker Uncho Kitagawa, who completed it in 1700. The three-meter-high wooden statue made of hinoki cypress has gold leaf pressed onto the lacquered front surface, while the eyes feature inlaid crystals that give the statue a vivacious expression.
Designated Section
Important cultural property
Structure
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Era
Edo Period; Genroku 12 (1699)
Address
3-3-1 Zentsuji-cho, Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture
