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Nihonji Temple: Great Buddha
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Nihonji Temple: Great Buddha
JAPAN, Chiba, Awa; Edo period (1615–1868), dated 1783–1786; Stone; H: 31.1 m
The rock carving is located at Nihonji Temple and is carved directly into the side of Mount Nokogiri. The original work commenced in 1783 by Ono Jingoro Eirei and his 27 apprentices, and took three years to complete. Heavy weathering caused damage by the end of the Edo period (1615-1868). Restoration started in 1966 and was completed in three years.
The large Buddha is dressed in monastic robes and sits in lotus position on a double lotus throne, with the left hand carrying a medicine jar and the right hand resting in his lap. Within the surrounding nimbus and aureole, there are small Buddha images seated in separate roundels. |
