This impressive five-story pagoda (Gojū-no-tō, 五重塔) is handcrafted from precious Yakusugi (屋久杉, Yakushima cedar) and was created by the artist Kaku Takayoshi (郭高良). Standing approximately 67 cm tall, this large architectural sculpture is modeled after the famous Hōryū-ji Five-Story Pagoda (法隆寺五重塔), regarded as one of the masterpieces of Japanese Buddhist architecture and one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in the world. The pagoda has been meticulously crafted with extraordinary attention to detail. Each roof tier, bracket complex, railing, window, and finial has been intricately rendered, demonstrating remarkable skill and patience. The hanging bells attached to the corners of the roofs remain intact and beautifully enhance the elegance of the piece. The warm natural grain of the Yakusugi wood gives the pagoda a dignified and serene presence. Yakusugi, the ancient cedar of Yakushima Island, is among Japan's most treasured woods. Many trees live for more than one thousand years, and their timber is prized for its beautiful grain, pleasant fragrance, and exceptional durability. Since the harvesting of Yakusugi is now strictly restricted, objects made from this precious material have become increasingly difficult to obtain. Symbolism of the Five-Story Pagoda In Buddhist philosophy, the five levels symbolize the Five Great Elements (Godai, 五大): Earth (Chi, 地) Water (Sui, 水) Fire (Ka, 火) Wind (Fū, 風) Void or Space (Kū, 空) Together, these elements represent the composition of the universe and the harmony between nature and spirituality. The pagoda itself originates from the Buddhist stupa and symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth. For centuries, five-story pagodas have been regarded as sacred structures representing peace, enlightenment, protection, and spiritual ascension. The architectural details of this work are particularly impressive. The finely layered roofs, intricate bracket structures, delicate railings, and elegant proportions evoke the atmosphere of an actual temple pagoda in miniature form. Despite its large size, the piece retains a sense of refinement and balance that reflects the beauty of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. This is not merely a decorative object but a beautiful expression of Japanese Buddhist architecture and fine woodworking. It would make an outstanding centerpiece in a Japanese interior, tea room, meditation space, or Asian art collection. Large, finely crafted Yakusugi pagodas by named artisans such as Kaku Kōryō are rarely encountered on the market today. Combining the beauty of precious Yakusugi wood with the timeless symbolism of the Hōryū-ji pagoda, this is a highly collectible piece of exceptional decorative and cultural appeal. Height: 67.0 cm Width: 30.0 cm Depth: 30.0 cm Weight: 1900 g Condition: There are scratches, dirt, scuffs, dullness, stains, mold, discoloration, and dents. It has not been cleaned. One of the support column covers is missing (14th photo from the end). The joint on the bottom is slightly loose. The item is delicately made overall, so there is a possibility that the glued parts may come undone upon arrival. In that case, you will need to re-glue them with adhesive, so please be aware of this. This is a very delicate item, so please handle it with care. Many photos have been posted, so please take a look. Atention: The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase. Shipping: The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan. We will use either EMS for a safe and secure transportation. It usually takes about 2-6 weeks for delivery, and the package will be shipped with a tracking number. Import duties, taxes, VAT, and any other charges are not included in the item price and shipping cost. Please check your country's import duties before bidding. 061520490618