When I come to major shrines and temples in my collection, like Todaiji or Kinkakuji, I get worn out before I even start writing. Sensoji is one of those temples that makes me wonder where I'm supposed to start.
A quick overview. Sensoji is Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in 628/645. Legend has it that some fisherman pulled an ancient Kannon statue from the waters and built the temple to house it. Tokugawa Ieyasu contributed to the temple's expansion during the seventeenth century. Kannon is widely worshipped in Japan as the boddhisatva of mercy. Sensoji has multiple buildings, including a five story pagoda. Nearby is Hikan Shrine. Leading up to the temple entrance is a shopping arcade where you can get any kind of Japanese knick knack you'd want, but the area is famous for its bean cakes. Be sure to get them fresh if you visit.
Sensoji is also famous for its massive, black lantern hanging on the gate in front of the temple. Even though it was raining when I visited, my ground insisted on getting our picture taken in front of it. Sensoji is immortalized in Hiroshige's beautiful wood block print of the temple, which features the lantern at the front and the temple in the back. This is nice example of Japanese artists blending Western perspective with Japanese subjects.
I chose this omamori because of its interesting, hammer-like shape. But I don't remember there being much of a selection outside the traditional style. Either way, the hammer has Sensoji's crest and name, a touch that lets me know I can only get this form there.
No comments:
Post a Comment