kondō
Quick Summary
The term "kondō" refers to the main hall of a Buddhist temple in Japan, a significant element of Japanese religious architecture. This architectural style, heavily influenced by continental models, became prominent during the Asuka period (538–710 CE) with the introduction and establishment of Buddhism as a state religion.1
The kondō served as a central place for worship, housing sculptures of Buddhist deities. These structures were typically part of walled temple compounds, featuring a symmetrical layout along a south-north axis. Key building materials included roof tiles, stone, and Japanese cedar wood, with a construction method relying on vertical pillars secured on stone bases.1
A notable example is the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsu-den) at Tōdai Temple in Nara, which, despite reconstructions, remains the world's largest wooden building. It houses a colossal bronze statue of the Great Buddha.2
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Japanese architectureThe Asuka period…and a main hall (kondō), both used for worship. Support buildings, such as lecture halls, a belfry, and living quarters, lay outside and to the north of the inner cloister. True to the continental style, the buildings and gates were sited along a south-north axis and were symmetrical in…
Read More…and a main hall (kondō), both used for worship. Support buildings, such as lecture halls, a belfry, and living quarters, lay outside and to the north of the inner cloister. True to the continental style, the buildings and gates were sited along a south-north axis and were symmetrical in…
Read More
Japanese artPainting…which consists of a miniature kondō affixed to a rectangular pedestal or base. This assemblage of wood, metal, and lacquer provides an excellent view of what a kondō of the period may have looked like and, perhaps more important, is decorated with the only known painting from the Asuka period.…
Read More…which consists of a miniature kondō affixed to a rectangular pedestal or base. This assemblage of wood, metal, and lacquer provides an excellent view of what a kondō of the period may have looked like and, perhaps more important, is decorated with the only known painting from the Asuka period.…
Read More- Japanese architectureThe Hakuhō period
…new prominence given to the kondō as a major structure; it is located in the centre of the compound flanked by two pagodas, which are afforded lesser importance than in earlier temple layouts. The kondō faced a large courtyard, and when its large central doors were opened, the assembled faithful…
Read More…new prominence given to the kondō as a major structure; it is located in the centre of the compound flanked by two pagodas, which are afforded lesser importance than in earlier temple layouts. The kondō faced a large courtyard, and when its large central doors were opened, the assembled faithful…
Read More