1. A component believed to be part of the original pedestal of the Shaka Triad at Horyuji Temple in Nara, Japan has been discovered by the Odawara Art Foundation.
2. The Shaka Triad, a set of three Buddhist statues designated as national treasures, was created around 1400 years ago by the sculptor Tori.
3. The discovered component is shaped like a lotus petal, made of copper and gold-plated, and is likely part of one of the attendant statues' pedestals. The discovery provides insight into the creation process of the Shaka Triad. The artifact was found during preparations for an exhibition at the Odawara Art Foundation.