Statue of Fukūkensaku Kannon of Hokkedō, Tōdaiji, Buddhist statue in Hokke-dō, Tōdaiji Temple, Japan
The Fukūkensaku Kannon figure in Hokkedō is a 362-centimeter wooden sculpture decorated with urushi lacquer, silver, and gemstones. The representation shows three eyes and eight arms holding ritual objects and wearing a silver crown.
The sculpture was created in the 8th century during the Nara period as one of the first Japanese works in dry lacquer art. The technique then spread to other temples throughout the country.
The figure carries a rope that embodies the idea of never leaving anyone behind on the path to enlightenment. This tool shows the task of pulling all people out of suffering.
The Hokkedō hall inside Tōdaiji is open to visitors, with interior lighting kept low to protect the surface of the figure. A quiet approach helps see the details of the decorations.
The crown contains over 11,000 stones made of jade, amber, glass, pearls, and quartz, set into tiny mounts. The weight and quantity of these decorations make the work a rare example of this effort.
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