This is a small dokuson-sen from Minamihokke-ji Temple (Tsubosaka-dera Temple). The plaque (*1) is thought to have been coated with gold or silver on its surface to make the inner wall of Minamihokke-ji temple more majestic. (Silver components have been detected on a similar specimen that is designated a national treasure, and which can be found at the Tokyo National Museum.)

 

Although there is a chip on the upper left corner of this item, most of the piece remains intact. It is in good condition with few scratches on the surface. At present, the gold or silver coating described above is no longer visible, but the piece is the one listed in Yoshitarō Yasui’s (*2) book Records of Ancient Temples of Yamato (1932/Yamato Historical Society.) Currently, Yasui’s extensive collection is housed in the Tenri University Library, so it is possible that this item was a personal favorite and therefore not placed in the reference library with other pieces of the collection.

 

A similar type of plaque can be seen at Kokūzōhai-ji Temple in Oita Prefecture, but that item is more thickly constructed than those at Minamihokke-ji Temple. Also, as Yasui’s book clearly states that the item pictured was excavated from Minamihokke-ji Temple, it is almost certain that this dokuson-sen came from Minamihokke-ji Temple and is one in the same. Small dokuson-sen from the Hakuhō period that are in good condition and whose origins can be identified are extremely rare. Please take this opportunity to make it part of your collection.

 

(*1)

Sen are plate-shaped Buddha statues made of clay, which has been molded and fired at a low temperature. Sen were used to decorate the walls of temples or for personal worship. Such plaques have their origins in China and were most produced from the Hakuhō period to the Nara period (late 7th century to early 8th century.) From the Heian period onward, sen are rarely used.

 

(*2)

Local historian of Nara Prefecture. Yasui conducted local research in Oji Village, Nara Prefecture and amassed a collection of ancient documents and records related to Yamato history. He published books such as Record of Yamato Ancient Temples and Illustrated Record of Yamato Ancient Tiles. Yasui died on March 13, 1945. His vast collection was transferred to the Tenri University Library and became the Yasui Bunko.