Itsukushima Shrine
- Built: 12th century
- Rebuilt: 1556
- Japanese: 厳島神社 (Itsukushima-jinja)
Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine located on Miyajima in Aki province (Hiroshima prefecture). Much of the shrine is built out over the water, and at high tide is said to appear to float; the massive yotsu-ashi (four-legged) torii is easily one of the most famous in the country, and is cited as one of the Three (Most) Beautiful Views in Japan.
The shrine, constructed in Heian period shinden-zukuri style, was re-founded and rebuilt by Taira no Kiyomori in the 12th century, and remains strongly associated with the Taira clan today. It is said that Kiyomori took great pride in the shrine, donating extensive funds to it and showing it off to a great number of friends and noble personages[1].
In 1554, the shrine and other areas of Miyajima Island were the site of the battle of Miyajima, fought between Sue Harukata and Môri Motonari. Following the battle, the shrine was rebuilt in 1556[2].
The shrine is dedicated to three daughters of Susano-ô, and holds many treasures, including the Heike Nôkyô, a set of 32 scrolls of sutras copied onto lavishly decorated paper by Kiyomori, his sons, and other members of the Taira clan.
References
- Mason, Penelope. History of Japanese Art. Second Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005. p165.
