LIST

Commentary

This is a seated statue of Ragaraja. "Ragaraja" is a deity that allows for the sublimation of sexual and earthly desires to attain cleansing and enlightenment. As the Honzon, he is venerated in the hopes of receiving health and longevity, exorcism, or for the fulfillment of love. This statue is adorned with a crown of lions, and in addition to also having an eye in the middle of its forehead, this statue has six arms, making it a three-eyed, six-limbed statue. It is made using a "yosegi-zukuri" technique (construction using two or more pieces of wood) consisting of Japanese cypress materials, as well as a "gyokugan" technique, which involves the insertion of crystals into its eyes. A commemorative inscription has been made on the inner portion of the statue, which indicates that it was built by Buddhist image sculptor Kunai Hokkyo of Osaka in 1710. Roughly 80 examples of Kunai Hokkyo's work from this same period can be found mainly in the Kinai region, and he is renowned for the work he performed from the middle of the 17th Century to the first half of the 18th Century. Additionally, the name "Kunai Hokkyo" has been passed down over generations, and it is believed that this statue is the work of the second generation Hokkyo.

Designated Section

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Structure

Wooden statue: 64.1cm in height

Era

Edo Period; Hoei 7 (1710)

Address

Zentsu-ji Treasure Hall, 3-3-1 Zentsuji-cho, Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture