A remarkable find has shed new light on one of Japan’s most revered cultural treasures. The Odawara Art Foundation announced the discovery of a component believed to be part of the original pedestal of the Shaka Triad, a set of three Buddhist statues housed at Horyuji Temple in Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. These statues, designated as a national treasure, were crafted approximately 1,400 years ago by the renowned Buddhist sculptor Tori and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Horyuji Temple.

The discovered component, shaped like a lotus petal, measures 36.5 centimeters in width and 5 millimeters in thickness. Cast in copper and adorned with thick layers of gold plating, it exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of the era. Experts, after a thorough survey, determined that the piece is highly likely to belong to the original pedestal of one of the two attendant statues in the Shaka Triad. This conclusion was drawn based on its striking resemblance to the lotus petals on the current pedestal and the labeling on its storage container, which reads, “Metal fittings from the Main Hall of Horyuji Temple.”

A curator involved in the survey emphasized the significance of this discovery, noting that it provides valuable insight into the creation process of the Shaka Triad, a masterpiece of early Japanese Buddhist art. The component was uncovered during preparations for an exhibition by the Odawara Art Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving and showcasing antique pieces collected by contemporary artist Sugimoto Hiroshi.

This find not only deepens our understanding of the artistry behind Horyuji Temple’s iconic statues but also underscores the enduring cultural and historical importance of this sacred site.