Dainichi Nyorai (Mahaavairocana) Statue
- Date
-
制作年 AD13
- Title
- モクゾウダイニチニョライゾウ
- Materials, techniques and shape
- Wood
- Collections
- Century Akao Collection
- Depository
- Keio Museum Commons Campus Mita
Dainichi Nyorai (Sk:Mahaavairocana; Lit. Great Sun), a personification of Buddha, was worshipped for shedding the light of wisdom day and night and was thus considered mightier than the Sun God. It was the Indian priest Zenmui (637-735, Ch: Shan-wawei; Sk: Subhakarasimha) and his disciple Ichigyo (683-727; Ch: Wixing) who first created this name to denote the Buddhist image after attaining enlightenment. Belief in Dainichi Nyorai was particularly promoted in the Tendai and Shingon sects of Buddhism. This wooden statue was first covered by lacquer-coated hemp cloth, then layers of urushi lacquer were applied, and finally it was gilded. The crown was a later addition during the Edo Period, but the rest of the statue, the pedestal and the halo, have been preserved in their original forms. The most famous Dainichi Nyorai sculpture was created by Unkei (?-1223) and dedicated to the Enjoji Temple in Nara. The exhibited statue resembles the famous Unkei’s work; perhaps it was made by his disciples or sculptors in the Unkei School. A series of sculptures rendered in Unkei style are called the Kei School of sculptures, showing both beauty and dynamism, and are widely respected. (Note: The character “Kei” comes from the artist’s name: “Unkei.”)
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Identifiers
- Title (EN)
- Dainichi Nyorai (Mahaavairocana) Statue
Physical description
- Weights and quantities
-
Quantity 1躯
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