“Seven-faced,” the old woman muttered, more to herself than anyone else. “Why seven? Why not five, or twelve?” Curiosity piqued, you might find yourself, as many visitors to Kyoto do, standing before the unassuming yet captivating Shichido Garan, better known as Nanagatsuji – the Seven-faced Temple. Don’t let the simple facade fool you. This Buddhist temple, while lesser-known than some of Kyoto’s grander shrines, holds a unique charm. The name Nanagatsuji itself hints at the temple’s most distinctive feature – its seven-faced Kannon statue. Now, Kannon statues are not uncommon in Japan. But a seven-faced one? That’s a rarity. Each face, it’s said, represents a different aspect of Kannon’s compassion, a watchful guardian over all who enter the temple gates.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to