Gokuraku (極楽): Byodoin Phoenix Hall (平等院鳳凰堂)

Inspired by the Phoenix Hall of Byodoin in Uji, Kyoto, "Gokuraku" is my interpretation of late-Heian era's architectural and artistic ideal, the ideology of Buddhist Pure Land - where men and nature reside in peace, illustrated through the complementary colors of architecture and landscape, the combination of cloud pruned pine and naturally aged maples, moss-covered Jizo (Buddhist Stone Statues) inhabiting among meticulously clipped Yew hedges - all symbolically interwoven by the legendary Phoenix in harmony.