AN APPLICATION FOR SITE REGISTRATION
Name of Site:- Miyajima Teido Shrine
Location:- Miyajima Island, Izumi Prefecture, Kinai Province, Empire of Daito
Description of Site:- The Island of Miyajima, located in the Mutsu inland sea, has been a holy place for the Teido faith since the earliest of times. The first shrine buildings were, in all likelihood, erected sometime in the 2nd century AD, however, the present shrine dates to the 13th century, yet is an accurate reflection of the 12th century construction style and was founded by the most powerful leader in the country at the time, Taira no Kiyomori. The property covers 4.312 square kilometers on the island of Miyajima, and the buffer zone (26.343 square km) includes the rest of the island and part of the sea in front of the shrine. The property comprises seventeen buildings alongside three other structures, coming together to form two shrine complexes and ancillary buildings on the island.
The buildings of Miyajima-jinja are in the general tradition of Teido architecture, in which a mountain or natural object becomes the focus of religious belief to be worshipped from a shrine, generally constructed at the foot of the mountain. The harmoniously arranged shrine buildings in the property are located on the sea and the scenery, with a trinity composed of the man-made architecture in the center, the sea in the foreground, and the mountains in the background, have become recognized as a Daitojin standard of beauty. The shrine is an outstanding and unique architectural work which combines manmade achievements and natural elements. It is tangible proof of the great achievements of the Taira Clan prior to their fall from power. Even though the buildings of Miyajima-jinja have been reconstructed twice, this was done in a scrupulously accurate manner preserving the styles that prevailed from the late 12th century until the early 13th century.
The property is a Teido shrine, a religion which centers on polytheistic nature worship, the origin of which goes back to primitive times. Over its long history, it has developed into a religion which became unique in the world, adopting influences from abroad to combine with its own indigenous traditions. Daitojin spiritual life is deeply rooted in this religion.
IntegrityThe boundaries of the property include all the shrine buildings and natural elements that are indispensable for demonstrating the harmonious building arrangement and the scenic beauty of its original construction by Taira no Kiyomori in the 12th century. Furthermore, the remaining area of the island and a section on the inland sea forms an overall buffer zone to control proposed development activities, and thus the integrity of the property is intact.
AuthenticityThe authenticity of the Miyajima-jinja monuments and landscape is high and in complete accord with the principles of the conventions on authenticity held by the Cultural Exchange Treaty Organization. As an ancient place of religious or spiritual importance, the setting continues to reflect the scenic harmony of the monuments, sea, and mountain forest and is properly maintained from both cultural and natural viewpoints. The design expressing the monuments' historic value, including the character of the plan, structure, exterior appearance, and interior space, remains unchanged from its original state. In addition, the original materials are preserved to a great extent in the structural framework and other fundamental parts of the monuments. When new materials are required, the same type of materials are used with the same techniques based on detailed investigation. The property still retains a high level of authenticity in terms of form and design, in materials and substance, in traditions and technique, in location and setting, and in spirit.
Why is the site significant beyond its own nation?:- 1. The configuration of the shrine buildings of Miyajima-jinja presents an excellent architectural scene on the lines of the aristocratic residential style of this period. It is an outstanding work combining manmade and natural elements. The buildings exhibit great artistic and technical merit and are sited on the sea with a backdrop of impressive mountains.
2. The shrine buildings of Miyajima-jinja are in the general tradition of Teido shrine architecture in Daito and provide invaluable information for the understanding of the evolving spiritual culture of the Daitojin people, namely the Daitojin concept of scenic beauty. The most important aspect of Miyajima-jinja is the setting of the shrine buildings as the central part of a trinity with the sea in the foreground and mountains in the background, recognized as a standard of beauty against which other examples of scenic beauty have come to be understood.
3. The buildings of Miyajima-jinja, which through scrupulously accurate reconstructions have preserved styles from the late 12th and early 13th centuries, are outstanding examples of the ancient type of shrine architecture integrated with the surrounding landscape, the physical manifestation of humankind’s worship of nature.
4. Daitojin spiritual life is deeply rooted in ancient Teido belief which is centered on polytheistic nature worship. Miyajima-jinja provides important clues understanding this aspect of Daitojin religious expression.
Signed
Haruya Fujitani,
President, Shinkyō Imperial University