Hōkyōintō Mud Pagoda, excavated from Ise-Tateno

The Hōkyōintō gets its name from the fact that it once housed the Hōkyōintō Dharani. Its origin dates back to the 10th century when Qian Hongchu, the king of Wuyue in China, following an Indian tale, distributed 84,000 miniature stupas both domestically and internationally. The idea of entrusting prayers to countless small stupas was transmitted to Japan along with the form of the Hōkyōintō, leading to the creation of these earthen stupas.

Many earthen stupas excavated from Matsuo Village, Iinan-gun, Ise, located in what is now Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, are among the earliest examples of Hōkyōintō-style stupas. They are characterized by not having steps on the eaves and by having low bases.

Most of the excavated earthen stupas have weathered over many years, losing their sharp edges and acquiring a softer appearance. However, this particular piece still retains the geometric and sharp structural feel characteristic of Hōkyōintō. The curve of the roof and the rise of the body evoke the tension of its original construction.

The four sides of the stupa body are adorned with moon disks, within which seated Tathagata figures are imprinted.
They emerge distinctly, allowing even their expressions to be discerned.

The figures, contained within a small space, possess a certain rustic charm and loveliness that makes one gaze intently—can you not feel a moment of gentle solace?

A reliquary hole is provided at the base. This is an important trace indicating that it was a stupa buried in the ground, housing relics inside. It conveys that its existence was entrusted to the earth with prayers.

The finial section (second tier from the bottom) was once broken and later reattached. This can be considered a natural course for an excavated item, and indeed, it tells a part of the time this stupa has experienced.

Though a small earthen stupa, it harmonizes the tension of its form with the gentle expression of the Buddha. It is an item where the warmth of human hands somehow remains within its intellectual form.