Historical information

Photographs of Kamakura, Japan, collected by Alva Bennetts during a visit whilst on her BCOF deployment.
Part of the Bennetts collection.
See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for Alva Marie Bennetts VFX128835.

Physical description

1. Black and white photograph of a Japanese building. trees and a second building in the background. RH side has a piece of red cord attached.
2. Black and white close-up photograph of the buildings featured in 1. Two people in foreground.
3. Black and white photograph of a Japanese Temple with gate pillars in foreground. Trees surround building.
4. Black and white photograph of a statue of Buddha. Green cord tied through a hole at the top.
5. Black and white photograph of the head and shoulders of a statue of Buddha.
6. Black and white photograph of a statue of a sitting Buddha. Steps and large urns in foreground, trees in background.
7. Black and white photograph with details as per no. 6.
8. Black and white close-up of the statue of Buddha's head.

Inscriptions & markings

2. Handwritten in black ink on back: “In September each year, Japanese girls dance on the platform of this shrine at Kamakura.”
3. Etched in white on top LHC of photograph: “KENCHOJI TEMPLE AT KAMAKURA.”
6. The great Buddha is a bronze figure of Amida, one of the Buddhist gods. It was cast in 1252. you can walk right up into the head of it. Note the position of the hands which are laid on the lap palms upwards and thumbs touching, the Buddhist sign for steadfast faith.
8. You can see where the Buddha was damaged during the 1923 earthquake.