KAMAKURA PERIOD (13TH-14TH CENTURY) AND LATER

The bodhisattva is a fine and typical figure of the Kamakura period made from hollowed sections (yosegi zukuri) and with crystal eyes inset from behind the face. Little of the gold leaf which would once have covered the whole image remains, but the richness of the figure in its original condition is inferred from the finely embossed stylized designs on the lacquer of the drapery. Usually the bodhisattva seated on a lotus throne on the back of a lion is identified as Monju (Manjusri), the bodhisattva of Wisdom, who is accompanied by the bodhisattva Fugen seated on an elephant, the pair being attendant on a principal Buddhist image. The two bodhisattvas are said to have been Indian princes born as brothers during the lifetime of the historical Buddha. The attributes of Monju are a sword, which he carries held vertically in his right hand, and a lotus flower in his left. The hands of the present seated bodhisattva are replacements, and it is possible that the right hand originally held a sword. On the other hand it is also possible that the figure is that of Fugen, often depicted holding a lotus flower in one hand, and that it originally sat on an elephant as one of a pair. Although apparently later in date than the bodhisattva the shishi [lion] and complex richly gilt lotus throne are very similar to that of the Bodhisattva Monju and four attendants in the collection of Tokyo National Museum, depicted on their way to the bodhisattvas home in Godaisan (Wutai shan) in China, which was made for the Kofukuji temple in Nara in 1273.1
The complexity and richness of the heavily gilt lotus throne and mandorla suggest that the sculptor knew the Kofukuji piece, or another piece of similar form. The mandorla is pierced and roundly carved with scrolling and peony blossoms which are often associated with the shishi in secular art. The shishi stands aptly fierce and majestic, since the lion's roar is said to contain the power of Buddhist law.

1. British Museum exhibition catalogue, Kamakura-The Renaissance of Japanese Sculpture, (London, 1991), no. 11.