Shōfuku-ji (Higashimurayama)

Shōfuku-ji (正福寺, lit. Temple of the Correct Luck) is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Higashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan. Its early 15th century Jizō hall is a registered National Treasure of Japan. It is considered to be the oldest intact building in Tokyo Prefecture and a unique example of Kamakura architecture.

History

Shofuku-ji was founded in 1270. The temple records state that the Jizō hall was built in 1278 under the sponsorship of Kamakura Regent Hōjō Tokiyori. Tradition holds that the Regent fell ill while on hunting expedition and was nursed back to health back by a resident priest. In gratitude, Tokiyori commissioned builders from Kamakura to build the Jizō hall.^[1]

There is some question as to the accuracy of this story given that Tokiyori died in 1263. Nonetheless, official patronage from Kamakura was key in the temple construction. It is worth noting that the temple may have been founded and constructed during the ministry of Tokiyori's son, Hōjō Tokimune under whose authority Japan successfully defended itself against Mongol Invasions.^[2]

It is disclosed that the Jizo hall was built in 1407 by the writing in India ink. This writing was found in 1933, when the Jizo hall was repaired. The writing also shows that this temple has been dedicated to Jizo Bodhisattva since this was founded.

Consequently, there are two theories of the time when Shofuku-ji was founded.

However, fortunately, this temple remains the state when this was founded, although this has been sometimes in danger.^[3]

Architecture

The Jizō hall employed new building techniques perfected by the Japanese master builders during the Kamakura era that permitted more strength, elasticity, and detail compared to Chinese, Korean, or even earlier Japanese techniques. This is called Zenshūyō.This style can be seen at Enkaku-ji. Specifically,the depth and the decoration of the Jizo hall is similar to those of the hall “Shari-den” at Enkaku-ji. For example, the curve of the upper roof is similar. This Jizo hall has a value as one of the criterions on Japanese architectures because this is the oldest building in Kanto,Japan. Clarity of when this hall was built is also important for the criteriors. From the outside it appears as a two story structure with sharply upturned eaves on the roofs. Internally, it is a single open space.This effect results from the lower roof Mokoshi.

It contains significant architectural innovations, including the use of elastic Japanese cypress, steel support chisels, decorative but functional brackets, and cantilevers. These innovations permitted a structure that appears lightweight with its curved hip roof, open interior, and floating, upturned eaves while being structurally sound against earthquakes.^[4]

This shows standardization of Zenshuyo. The look of the Jizo hall is similar to Shariden at Enkaku-ji. However, there are some differences. For example, The Mokoshi of the Jizo hall is covered with copper for good conservation. The door opens toward inside.

The material of roofs has been thatched. However, in 1933, when the hall was repaired, the roof was changed from thatched to shingled to restore it closer to the original construction configuration. This is made by piling thin boards and fixing those by a bamboo nail. This “Kokerabuki” is also seen in Katsura Imperial Villa and Kinkaku-ji.

While the outside can be seen at any time, it is once a year, when the festival for Jizo , “Jizo-matsuri” observes , that people can enter the inside of the Jizo hall. The day is November 3rd. There people sell handmade jizo, play gagaku(Japanese ancient court music) and so on. ^[5][6][7]

Significance

Despite major reconstruction in 1407, Shōfuku-ji's Jizō hall is held to be one of the most representative and intact examples of Kamakura architecture anywhere.^[8] Though 50 kilometers from Kamakura, this area marked the northern extent of what was considered the outer sphere of the Kamakura defenses.^[9] However, this remoteness likely contributed to its preservation since it did not see the destruction that most of the buildings of Kamakura itself experienced.

Traditions

Consistent with it being a place of healing, Shōfuku-ji has a tradition that is believed by many locals to help cure illness. Outside the hall are a number of wooden dolls that, when a family member or friend is sick, are to be taken to the ill person's home. Upon recovery, the original doll plus a new one are returned to the temple.^[10]

Jizō Hall Gallery

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  Exterior North

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  Exterior South

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  Exterior West

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  Interior East Ceiling

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  Interior East

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  Interior East Lower level

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  Interior Kannon Statue

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  Interior North Lower Level

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  Interior Priest

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  Interior West Ceiling

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  Exterior Eave detail

See also

• For an explanation of terms concerning Japanese Buddhism, Japanese Buddhist art, and Japanese Buddhist temple architecture, see the Glossary of Japanese Buddhism.

References

• Papinot, E. (1910). "Historical and Geographical Dictionary of Japan. 1972 Printing. Charles E. Tuttle Company, Tokyo, ISBN 0-8048-0996-8.
• Coaldrake, William H. (1996) "Architecture and Authority in Japan (Nissan Institute/Routledge Japanese Studies Series)", Routledge, ISBN 978-0-415-10601-6
• Signposts (in Japanese) at Shofuku-ji.
• Sansom, George (1963). "A history of Japan 1334-1615." Eight Printing (1993). Charles E. Tuttle Company, Tokyo, ISBN 4-8053-0375-1
• Suzuki Kakichi. "国宝大辞典　全五巻　五　建造物".1985 Printing. Kodansha Company,Tokyo, ISBN4-06-187825-5(0).
• Tani Masayuki. "日本美術図解事典". 2004 Printing. Tokyo Bijutsu Company,Tokyo, ISBN4-8087-0720-9.
• http://www.city.higashimurayama.tokyo.jp/tanoshimi/photo/shiki/7_9.html#cms75502　viewed:2013/6/13

Notes

External links

• Tokyo Tourism information on Shofukuji

Coordinates: 35°45′53.15″N 139°27′34.1″E / 35.7647639°N 139.459472°E / 35.7647639; 139.459472