Chuson-ji Konjiki-do

This is a golden Buddhist temple adorned with gold dust from Michinoku. In addition to the gold, its craftsmen also incorporated an abundant amount of exotic materials from Japan and abroad, and made full use of the decorative techniques available at the time. The Oshu-Fujiwara clan, the commissioners of the temple, did so not to flaunt their wealth, but to represent in gold, with its majestic radiance, a paradise that begets a peaceful and equal world free of conflict. Konjiki-do is said to be the building Marco Polo was referring to when he tells of a “great Palace which is entirely roofed with fine gold” in The Travels of Marco Polo.