Wayne Eastep

Todai-Ji Temple (Hall of the Great Buddha, a "National Treasure"). Largest wooden structure in the world, measuring 160 ft.high, 187 ft. long, and 166 ft. wide. It houses the Daibutsu-Den the largest bronze statue in the world. It was cast in the middle of the 8th century. The statue represents Birushana-butsu (also called Rushanabutsu, Skr. Vairocana). The statue measures: Height including pedestal 71 ft. 6 in., Height without pedestal 53 ft. 6 in. length of face 16 ft., width of face 9ft. 5 in., whole weight 500 metric tons. It is counted among the "Seven Great Temples of Nara". It was founded in 745 by Emperor Shomu. Nara, Japan