vol.22 (2026)

HASHIMOTO Yuto

Japanese History,
Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI

Key words:

Kasagi-dera temple, sutra mound, sutra case, outer container, sutra container, ceramic sutra vessels, tiled sutra vessels

Kasagi-dera Temple, located in Kasagi Town, Soraku District, Kyoto Prefecture, is a sacred site of Miroku worship, with a Miroku rock-carved Buddha as its principal image. From the grounds of Kasagi-dera temple, various types of sutra containers, such as bronze sutra cases and ceramic sutra vessels, as well as accompanying items, have been excavated, which provides a complete set of sutra mound-related artifacts. However, no comprehensive archaeological research has been conducted on the Kasagi-dera temple sutra mound to date. Therefore, in order to clarify the nature of the Kasagi-dera temple sutra mound, we presented basic information and observations on the excavated artifacts and conducted research on the period and characteristics of each artifact. Subsequently, based on the results of the examination of the excavated artifacts, we examined the regional characteristics and construction period of the sutra mound. The examination was conducted mainly based on analysis of the sutra containers, and we examined similar examples in the Kinki region, the period of use, and the builders. Excavated artifacts reveal that the structure was likely built by multiple builders between the second and fourth quarters of the 12th century.

Bronze sutra cases and ceramic and tile sutra vessels that were excavated indicate a connection with Miyako. This provides archaeological evidence of the deep connection with Miyako and clarifies the regional characteristics of sutra mounds. There is a record of a burial ceremony conducted at Kasagi Temple in 1185, with Jien, the younger brother of Kujo Kanemitsu, as the sponsor, confirming that this site is a reliable archaeological site where burial ceremonies were conducted by the aristocracy of Kyoto. Archaeological research has also confirmed the deep connection between this site and Kyoto. The artifacts excavated from the sutra mound have revealed the nature of the builders and the construction period of the site, suggesting the possibility of understanding social trends and religious beliefs through the study of sutra mounds.

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