大仏

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kōtoku-in

Nowadays:

the photograph must have been made before November 1874. A member of the austro-hungarian marines circumsailing of the world 1874-76 (corvette Erzherzog Friedrich) acquired exactly this print in November or Dezember 1874 when the expedition had reached Japan.

Maravillosa foto.

I have been in Kamakura in front of this incredible Daibutsu and it's an iconical and spiritual place for Japan. I couldn't imagine a group of japanese people climbing a church or another catholic or protestant symbol/monument/temple for a photo at those years in Europe or U.S.A. In 1860-1900 they'd been put under arrest (or directly murdered in some mediterranean countries).

This is Kobe City's (Hyogo Prefecture) original Great Buddha, which was constructed during the Meiji Era (1868-1912). Unfortunately, this symbol of "peace" (as well as many, many others) was confiscated during World War II to be melted down for weapons. It was finally replaced in 1991.

Another photo, this one taken by Kusakabe, in the Nagasaki University collection. According to Nagasaki University, it was completed in 1889 and consecrated in 1891.

Wow, never seen this Great Buddha. Interesting style of his head quite thin.