---
title: Nara Period Miniature Stupas
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9533/nara-period-miniature-stupas/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Nara Period Miniature Stupas

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Nara Period Miniature Stupas](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/9533.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/9533.jpg)

## Image Caption

These are miniature stupas (hyakumanto). A [stupa](https://www.worldhistory.org/stupa/) is a structure in a [Buddhist](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/) [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/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](https://www.worldhistory.org/Horyuji/) temple, [Nara](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nara/). Wood, pigment. From [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). Circa 764 CE. (The British Museum, London).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
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## Cite This Work

### APA
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
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
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Nara Period Miniature Stupas." *World History Encyclopedia*, 30 Nov 2018, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9533/nara-period-miniature-stupas/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 30 November 2018. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.