

The end result, depicted on the iPad tablets, shows the now faded ancient wooden sculptures in all their original 11th century glory, rich in colour and unflawed in form. However, the figures are displayed at a high level and difficult for visitors to view well.

The 52 Bosatsu on Clouds, each measuring around 25 ins in height, appear to hover in the air surrounding a larger central sculpture of Amida Buddha sitting on a lotus at Byodoin Temple. The presence of iPads in a historic old temple is perhaps a side effect of Japan's status as a nation famed both for its hi-tech modernity and its rich cultural heritage. (The Daily Telegraph)