Small Box with Scene of Kiyomizudera Temple

Small Box with Scene of Kiyomizudera Temple

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Buddhist temple complex depicted on the lid of this box represents Kiyomizudera, or the Temple of Pure Water, in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto. The temple is located near the Otowa waterfall, famed for its wish-granting and healing properties. Kiyomizudera, which was founded in the late eighth century, has been a popular destination of pilgrims and visitors for centuries. This box was probably made for export to Europe.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Small Box with Scene of Kiyomizudera TempleSmall Box with Scene of Kiyomizudera TempleSmall Box with Scene of Kiyomizudera TempleSmall Box with Scene of Kiyomizudera TempleSmall Box with Scene of Kiyomizudera Temple

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.