| architecture |
| calligraphy |
| ceramics |
| clothing |
| comics |
| gardens |
| lacquerwork |
| literature |
| movies |
| music |
| painting |
| poetry |
| sculpture |
| tea ceremony |
| television |
| theatre |
| weaponry |
| thematic routes |
| timeline |
| the site |
context: architecture > buddhist temples
|
Byodoin
This very Chinese-style structure was built by a Fujiwara regent. It was completed in 1053, and marks the point when the emperor became no more than a figurehead, and genuine power moved to the hands of a series of regents. The Hoodo (Phoenix Hall) is particularly impressive. The temple and grounds were supposed to be an earthly representation of the Buddhist Pure Land Paradise.