Five Vidyārājas 五大明王像ごだいみょうおうぞう

Description

{br=>[[], [], []], i=>[shaku, sun], content=>[Five Great Wisdom Kings are the most important among the Wisdom Kings (Jp. myōō), who are manifestations of the Buddha in a wrathful form, appearing in fierce expressions to subdue evil and guide sentient beings. This set of figures　follows the so-called “Kōbō Daishi-style” as seen in the statues at the lecture hall of Tōji Temple in Kyoto. However, it is unusual as a sculptural example in that the Gundari Myōō is depected standing on one leg with the left leg raised high. , 　　As the height of the Fudō Myōō figure, when converted to that of a standing statue, is approximately ancient Japanese measurements of one , two , (about 36 cm), it is considered to have been produced according to the standard known as “icchakushuhan.”Sets of the Five Great Wisdom Kings of this relatively small scale were likely created as principal icons for esoteric Buddhist rituals, such as the godanhō rituals, performed among emperors, members of the imperial family, and the aristocracy to pray for recovery from illness and for well-being.　, 　　Each figure is carved from a single block of what appears to be Japanese nutmeg-yew (a type of conifer) and is solid without a hallowed interior. Although the surfaces show a weathered appearance, traces of white pigments remain, indicating that the figures were originally vividly painted and adorned with gilt-bronze ornaments. , 　　The voluminous bodies, along with the large, pronounced facial features, of the figures parallel the wrathful forms of late 9th to early 10th-century, such as the Five Great Wisdom Kings statues at Daigoji Temple in Kyoto. Yet, compared to those examples, the figures here exhibit a more subdue and gentle quality. Base on features such as the shallow and uniform carvings of the drapery folds seen on the knees of the Fudō Myōō, this set is thought to date to late 10th to early 11th century instead. Furthermore, similar style of drapery folds are also seen in the Yakushi Triad at Hōryūji Temple in Nara (Important Cultural Property) and Seated Miroku Buddha (Sk. Maitreya) at Mirokuji Temple in Nara, suggesting that the statues were produced by a Buddhist sculptor active in the Nara region. Despite their small size, dynamic gestures, the dynamic postures of the figures are well balanced and skillfully executed, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship of the maker. Among Heian-period (794–1185) examples of the Five Great Wisdom Kings, a complete set of five figures is rare, making this a valuable set.]}

This is an important set of the Five Great Wisdom Kings (Godai Myōō), as very few complete sets of this iconography dated to the Heian period survive (794–1185) to the present day. While the statues are rather small in scale, each one has an impact that is nevertheless impressive, with forceful features and well-balanced proportions. These were probably used for personal religious practice, as their small scale is not suited to rituals performed in a large temple hall.

This set of Godai Myōō constitutes a rare example of which few extant works remain. Considering the height of statues, these were probably not principal images in the particular Buddhist hall, but they were applied during private ceremonies. The iconography is similar to the one in the preaching hall of Tō-ji Temple in Kyoto Prefecture, however it is rare that the statue of Gundari myōō (Skt. Kuṇḍaī) raised a leg up.

{br=>[[]], content=>[Statues of five Myō'ō (Vidyārājas) had often been made since the Heian period as principal images of the Ninnōkyō-hō ritual which was performed for the purpose of protecting the nation and avoiding misfortunes. In agreement with their role as angry deities of Japanese esoteric Buddhism, powerful, fierce, and stirring appearance are depicted. There are two types of five Myō'ō statues: one type has been worshipped in the Shingon sect and was modeled after the set of statues brought from China by Priest Kūkai, and the other type was modeled after another set of Chinese statues brought by Priest Enchin and has been worshipped in the Tendai sect. This set of five Myō'ō statues belongs to the former type. The center statue Fudō-myō'ō is surrounded by the Gōzanze-, Gundari-, Dai-itoku- and Kongō-yasha-myō'ō figures., Each of the statues was made from a single piece of hinoki wood (Japanese cypress) without carving inside of them. The excellent carving work of the robust bodies with heavy modeling, complex appearance, and precise carving of the powerful movements reflect the characteristics of the single-block carving technique during the Heian period.]}