Standing bodhisattva in Zenkoji style

Place of OriginJapan

Dateapprox. 1200-1300

PeriodKamakura period (1185-1333)

MaterialsBronze with traces of gilding

DimensionsH. 11 5/8 in x W. 3 3/8 in x D. 1 7/8 in, H. 29.7 cm x W. 8.6 cm x D. 4.7 cm

Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection

Object numberB60B355

DepartmentJapanese Art

ClassificationsSculpture

On View

On view

LocationGallery 26

More Information

This standing bodhisattva is distinguished by a high octagonal crown and a gesture of both hands joined with palms together in front of his chest. Most likely the image was one of two bodhisattvas that were part of an Amitabha (Amida) buddha triad modeled on the famous set at Zenkoji, a rather remote temple located in the mountains in Nagano prefecture. From the twelfth century on, the temple taught Pure Land Buddhism and prospered under the government’s patronage. The temple’s famous Amitabha triad became known throughout Japan and was copied many times.

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