Yumedono is the central construction of Toin (Eastern Precinct) at Horyuji Temple. This octagonal hall is said to have been founded in 739 by the priest Gyoshin to appease Prince Shotoku’s soul. Its beautiful octagonal shape, the doors placed on the four sides, and the tiled roof all remain as the building was originally built. It is said that the name “Yumedono (Dream Pavilion)” came from the story that Buddha appeared in this hall while Prince Shotoku was lost in his meditation. The main statue of Guze-Kannon is placed in the Zushi (miniature Buddhist shrine). This statue, which is typical to Asuka style, was carved from one piece of camphor wood using Ichiboku-zukuri technique (single-block carving) and gilded with Shippaku technique (in which gold foil is affixed to lacquer and then applied to statues). It is said to be the life-size statue of Prince Shotoku. Since it has been wrapped in white silk cloth as a hidden treasure, it is preserved in almost immaculate condition. In 1884 the white cloth was first removed by American Professor Fenollosa and Tenshin Okakura, a Japanese scholar in art, by which the existence of the statue became clear. At the present time, it is open to public only twice a year in spring and fall.