Kofukuji is yet another elegant table of Fujiwara origin. It was originally built for Fujiwara-kyo, the Fujiwara capital that was the first planned capital in Japan. When Nara was settled on for the religious and governmental center of Yamato (Japan). When Nara was being constructed, the Fujiwara moved the beginnings of Kofukuji to Nara in 710. Actually, Kofukuji was moved twice. It was first built near present day Kyoto, then moved to Fujiwara-kyo, then Nara.
Kofukuji was founded by the wife of Fujiwara no Kamatari as a prayer for her husband's recovery when he became ill. Since then, Kofukuji has been the Fujiwara's tutelary temple. It reflects the powerful family's wealth and prestige, and so Kofukuji contain's many national treasures.
The main East Golden Hall (Toukondo) contains many famous statues. There's a five story pagoda, and two octagon halls. Some of the important buildings in the complex burned down over the years and unfortunately were never rebuilt.
I have a fond memory from Kofukuji. I got to the temple in the evening having walked all over Nara that afternoon. After I had purchased the charm above and strolled through the magnificent East Golden Hall, I saw a deer attempting to get up on a statue. Then a monk ran out wielding a scraggy broom, and he started barking at the deer and waving the broom at it to get it off.
I wonder if this is a regular occurrence?
This is a unique charm in my collection. Not only is it from Kofukuji and marked as such, but it also has that interesting painted feet! Can you guess what its an omamori for?
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