figure
- Museum number
- 1944,1019.1
- Description
-
Figure. Shotoku Taishi standing in prayer. Made of wood.
- Production date
- 18thC
- Dimensions
-
Height: 28.80 centimetres
- Curator's comments
-
The Prince Regent Shotoku Taishi (AD 574-622) was both a skilled statesman and devout Buddhist who promulgated the faith thoughout Japan, building temples including Horyu-ji which survive to this day. He is credited with miraculous powers, was said to have been able to speak at birth, and is frequently worshipped as an emanation of the Bodhisattva Kannon (Avalokitesvara). The prince is here depicted as a two-year old child reciting sutras in the Namu Amida Butsu (Hail to Buddha) form.
(label copy, VH, 1998)
-
Zwalf 1985
The Prince Regent Shōtoku (AD 574-622), promulgator of Buddhism and skilled in secular affairs, has attracted many legends; he could speak at birth, recite ‘mantras’ in childhood, perform acts of wisdom and piety, and was worshipped as an emanation of Avalokiteśvara. He is variously represented - as a child, as a young adult praying for his father's recovery, and as the adult regent. The ‘Namu Butsu’ (Hail to the Buddha) representation, as a child reciting ‘mantras’, has been popular since the Kamakura period and this image copies 13th-century Kamakura work.
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 1944
- Department
- Asia
- Registration number
- 1944,1019.1
