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Shoryoji Temple: Vairocana Buddha
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Shoryoji Temple: Vairocana Buddha
JAPAN, Aomori; Showa period (1926–1989), dated 1984; Bronze; H: 21.35 m
The statue is also known as the Showa Great Buddha and the design was based on the Womb Realm Mandala from the Mahavairocana Sutra. It was consecrated in 1984 to commemorate the deceased from the Second World War (1939–1945). It is the largest bronze seated Buddha in Japan and measures 21.35 m high, 15 m wide, and weighs 220 t.
Vairocana wears a helmet-style headdress, with reliefs on all four sides depicted the other Wisdom Buddhas. A raised urna appears between the eyebrows, below the earthly eyes gaze down adding to the compassionate reassurance of the smiling mouth. The figure sits in full lotus position on a throne of inverted lotus petals. The hands form the dhyana (meditation) mudra. The inside of the statue is accessible through the base, where the six realms of rebirth are depicted. |
