Buddhist Priest

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Buddhist Priest

Period Kamakura Period (Japan, 1185 - 1333)

Place of OriginJapan

Dateabout 1280-1300

DimensionsH: 15 5/8 in. (39.7 cm)

Mediumwood with traces of pigment and gilding; crystal or glass inset eyes

ClassificationSculpture

Credit LineGift of The Popplestone Family

Object number

2006.122

Not on View

Label TextThe yosegi technique of sculpture involves carving individual components in wood and then joining them to create a single sculpture. It originated as an innovation that allowed for the more efficient production of huge wooden sculptures for Japanese Buddhist temples, but was soon adapted to small statues as well. One advantage of this method was that artists could give more detail and definition to the individual parts than if they were carved from a solid block of wood, resulting in a more life-like image. This illusion was further enhanced by hiding the joins with gesso (a gypsum or chalk mixture) and painting the sculpture. Finally, eyes made of crystal or glass were inserted to make the sculpture look as realistic as possible. The hands of this priest, which are now missing, would have also been carved separately and fitted into the arms—they may have been gesturing or holding a reliquary (container for sacred remains or objects).Published ReferencesToledo Museum of Art, Toledo Museum of Art Masterworks, Toledo, 2009, p. 39, repr. (col.).