Todaiji as it exists today. You can get an idea of its sheer mass by comparing its size with the people in the foreground. Source: Wiiii, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A scale model of Todaiji as it existed in Emperor Shōmu’s time. It was actually larger than the massive structure that exists today. Source: 名古屋太郎, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Daibutsu statue at Todaiji. This monument has also suffered its share of tragedy throughout history, as the original head fell off in 855 and had to be remade. Source: Public Domain
The ruins of Kuni-kyō, one of many capitals which Emperor Shōmu attempted to construct. Source: 663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons
A later ink painting of two Emishi, on the right.. Although this work originates in 1069, it still gives a good impression of the Yamato court’s impression of their northern neighbors. Author unknown, image public domain.
Recent Comments