In the eleventh and the twelveth century, Japanese Buddhism was characterized by the pessimism of the Mappo teachings (the theory of the latter days of Buddhism), and the diffusion of the Pure Land Sect of Buddhism 浄土宗 which taught men how to cope with these pessimistic teachings. Due to the diffusion of the Pure Land Sect many halls which were dedicated to Amida were built throughout the country. The Tohoku district (the north-eastern section of Japan) was by no means an exception. Even now, some Buddhist Halls and Images enshrined in them built in that period remain in the Tohoku district. They are : the Konjiki-do of Chuson-ji 中尊寺金色堂 the Amida Hall in Shiramizu 白水, the Amida Hall of Kozo-ji 高藏寺, and the Yakushi (Bhesajaguru) Hall in Kanago 金郷. These Halls and Images in the Tohoku district have a common character distinct in style from those Buddhist Halls and Images in other districts of this country. The writer of this article would call the district where the Buddhist Halls and Images of the Tohoku style are distributed the "Hiraizumi Culture Range" and studies the artistic style common in the Amida Halls and Images remaining in the Tohoku district.

慶應義塾創立百年記念論文集