Set a bit apart a few streets away from the main temple complex, Shorin-ji (勝林寺) is still a sub-temple of Tofuku-ji. Being open only a few weeks a year it is far from popular and few information is available even on the 'net. Shorin-ji was founded by order of the 205th head priest of Tofuku-ji. "205th" seems quite a number, especially since the foundation year is 1550, but I won't contradict the temple pamphlet ;-)
The temple has a small zen garden in the back but its main "selling point" is its collection of (very) old images of various important Buddhist figures. The largest and most important of which is the statue of Bishamonten, the god of wealth and triumph. This statue was secretly hidden in the ceiling of Tofuku-ji before being relocated here. On his left and right are respectively the statue of Kisshousonten, god of beauty and happiness and Zennishidoji, child of Bishamonten. Another feature of this temple are the two set of tiger paintings on sliding doors (襖 - fusuma). These paintings are however quite recent and don't have the appeal of the older style. Another interesting piece is a sculpted wooden piece ised for woodblock printing. The block represents the mandara picture of Bishamonten with its close followers. The detail of the work is impressive, especially when one reads the small signature on the side of the block: "Work of Soryu, age 16". Sixteen... Recommended for: Access: Nearby: Shōkō-in 盛光院 (120m), Kaizan-dō 開山堂 (230m), Ikkai-in 一華院 (250m), Reiun-in 霊雲院 (270m), Ryōgin-an 龍吟庵 (300m), Sokushū-in 即宗院 (350m), Hōon-in 法音院 (360m), Tentoku-in 天得院 (390m), Funda-in 芬陀院 (440m), Shinzenko-ji 新善光寺 (500m),... External links: Website, Kyoto Design, 京都風光, Marutake, そうだ京都, Satellite view, Map Keywords: Japan, 日本, Japon, Kyoto, 京都, Higashiyama, Tofuku-ji, 東福寺, temple, 寺院, 仏閣, 勝林寺, Shourin-ji, subtemple, 塔頭 Statistics: visited on 3 occasions, id 456, 10 photos (5 extra photos can be found in the archive). |
