These are miniature stupas (hyakumanto). A stupa is a structure in a Buddhist temple that contains religious relics. Empress Shotoku (reigned 764-770 CE) ordered a million of these miniature wooden stupas to be made. Each one contained a printed Buddhist prayer that gave thanks after she crushed a rebellion led by Emi-no-Oshikatsu. One hundred thousand were given to each of ten great monasteries. Many still survive at Horyuji temple, Nara. Wood, pigment. From Japan. Circa 764 CE. (The British Museum, London).
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APA Style
Amin, O. S. M. (2018, November 30). Nara Period Miniature Stupas. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9533/nara-period-miniature-stupas/
Chicago Style
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Nara Period Miniature Stupas." World History Encyclopedia, November 30, 2018. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9533/nara-period-miniature-stupas/.
MLA Style
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Nara Period Miniature Stupas." World History Encyclopedia, 30 Nov 2018, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9533/nara-period-miniature-stupas/.
