The Kamakura Period (1185-1333): The Supreme Buddhist Sculptor Unkei (1151-1223) -Three Dainichi Nyorai Statues and Forms of Prayer
//SUMMARY//
The video describes the story and craftsmanship of Unkei, a renowned Buddhist sculptor from the Kamakura period, focusing on his iconic works.
It begins by discussing the significance of the Great Sun Buddha (Dainichi Nyorai) statues in esoteric Buddhism, highlighting their symbolism and representation in the cosmic and Mandara worlds.
One of Unkei's Buddha statues, auctioned in New York in 2008, garnered global attention due to its historical and artistic value, attributed to Unkei's craftsmanship. (The price was 1.4 billion yen)
The text then explores Unkei's artistry, particularly his involvement in restoring temples destroyed during the war, such as Tōdai-ji in Nara. Unkei's leadership in rebuilding the temple's iconic South Gate and creating its famous guardian statues, Kongōrikishi (Nio), are emphasised for their imposing size and dynamic realism.
These sculptures, created in collaboration with his brother Kōkei, reflect the strength and vigour that characterised Unkei's style.
Next, the narrative focuses on Unkei's debut masterpiece, the Dainichi Nyorai statue in Enjō-ji temple. The sculpture showcases Unkei's youthful energy and meticulous craftsmanship. It is noted for its detailed muscular structure and use of the rare "crystal" technique for the eyes.
This innovation gives the statue a life, compassionate expression. You can create tearful, compassionate eyes by setting crystals in the black eyes and adding red around the pupil.
Unkei's signature was discovered on the statue's base, marking it as Japan's oldest recorded artist's signature. This signature reveals the personal pride and influence of his teacher, Kōkei. Additionally, the documentary follows actors and experts analysing Unkei's sculptures, discussing their emotional depth, technical precision, and lasting impact on Japanese Buddhist art.
The Kamakura Period (1185-1333): The Supreme Buddhist Sculptor Unkei (1151-1223) -Three Dainichi Nyorai Statues and Forms of Prayer
1)
Introduction:
Among the remarkable treasures of Japanese Buddhist art, the statues of Dainichi Nyorai stand out for their overwhelming presence and exquisite craftsmanship. Created by the Kamakura period sculptor Unkei, these statues represent the supreme Buddha in esoteric Buddhism and symbolise cosmic truth.
Known for his dynamic yet serene sculptural style, Unkei created numerous Dainichi Nyorai statues that inspire awe and admiration. This article examines one of Unkei's masterpieces, the Dainichi Nyorai statue, exploring its beauty, craftsmanship and historical significance.
2)
The symbolism and role of Dainichi Nyorai:
Dainichi Nyorai, known as the Great Sun Buddha, occupies a central position in esoteric Buddhism, embodying the ultimate truth of the universe. 'Nyorai' refers to a Buddha who has attained the highest enlightenment. Dainichi Nyorai is revered as the 'King of All Things', illuminating the world like the sun.
In esoteric Buddhism, he represents the cosmic principle that governs all phenomena. His statues are typically depicted in two primary forms: the "Mandala World" and the "Vajra World" (Diamond Realm), each representing different aspects of the cosmos, with Dainichi Nyorai at the centre of these realms.
3)
The appearance of Dainichi Nyorai is majestic, adorned with golden ornaments befitting an emperor. The Taizokai represents the world of enlightenment, while the Kongokai symbolises the realm of wisdom.
In particular, the Kongokai Dainichi Nyorai statue is notable for its unique hand gesture, the "Chiken-in" mudra, in which the left index finger is clasped by the right hand, representing ultimate cosmic truth.
4)
The statue of Dainichi Nyorai by Unkei:
Unkei, a sculptor of the Kamakura period, is renowned for his technical brilliance and distinctive artistic expression. He played a crucial role in restoring temples destroyed during the civil wars of the period, creating many Buddhist statues as part of this effort.
His works are noted for their combination of strength and delicacy and established a revolutionary style in Japanese sculpture. The Dainichi Nyorai statues he created are among his most famous works and show the full range of his skill and artistry.
5)
In 2008, one of Unkei's Dainichi Nyorai statues was auctioned in New York and sold for a record-breaking price. (The price was 1.4 billion yen) Unkei's work is recognised worldwide due to his statues' exceptional beauty and craftsmanship.
In particular, the Dainichi Nyorai statues represent the pinnacle of Kamakura period sculpture and continue to be revered by art lovers worldwide.
6)
The Guardians of Todai-ji Temple: The Kongorikishi statues:
One of Unkei's most significant achievements was the creation of the Kongorikishi (Nio) statues at the south gate of Todai-ji Temple in Nara.
Todai-ji, founded in the Nara period, is one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples. It was severely damaged during the civil wars of the Kamakura period. Unkei played a leading role in its restoration, particularly in reconstructing the temple's south gate.
7)
The two colossal Kongorikishi statues, standing over 8 metres tall, are regarded as Unkei's masterpieces. These imposing statues represent the temple's two guardian deities.
One is the statue of "Agyo," whose open mouth symbolises the beginning of the universe, and the other is the statue of "Ungyo," whose closed mouth represents the end of all things. Together, they symbolise the cosmic principles of beginning and ending, known in Buddhist philosophy as "A-un."
8)
Unkei's debut work and his innovations:
One of Unkei's earliest works considered his debut, is the seated statue of Dainichi Nyorai in Enjō-ji Temple in Nara. Created when Unkei was in his twenties, this statue shows the extraordinary talent of the young sculptor.
The statue, which displays the 'chicken-in' mudra, is characterised by elegant facial features, a taut waist and a youthful physique, all of which reflect Unkei's exceptional sculptural skills.
9)
This statue also features Unkei's most significant technical innovations: "Gyoku-Gan," or crystal-inlaid eyes. This technique, which uses crystal to create lifelike eyes, gives the statue a vivid and realistic expression.
This innovation profoundly influenced subsequent Buddhist sculpture and established Unkei as a pioneer in the field of religious art. You can create tearful, compassionate eyes by setting crystals in the black eyes and adding red around the pupil.
10)
The artistic influence of Kamakura sculpture and Unkei's legacy:
Unkei's sculptures departed from the earlier traditions of Buddhist art, which were often characterised by aristocratic refinement and static, delicate expressions.
In contrast, Unkei's works emphasised strength and vitality, breathing life into his sculptures. His statues, with their muscular realism and dynamic poses, reflected the strength and spirit of the warrior culture that emerged during the Kamakura period.
11)
The Kongorikishi statues at Todai-ji Temple are a testament to Unkei's ability to capture his subjects' physical strength and emotional intensity.
The statues' bulging muscles and fierce expressions are so lifelike that they seem imbued with their spirit. Unkei's works reveal his keen eye for detail and meticulous approach to sculpture.
He pays close attention to the composition and posture of his figures, which creates a sense of tension and energy in the space they occupy.
12)
Unkei's signature: The Oldest Known Sculptor's Inscription in Japan:
One of the unique aspects of Unkei's seated Dainichi Nyorai statue is the presence of the sculptor's signature inside the statue's base.
In Japanese Buddhist sculpture, artists were scarcely allowed to leave their names on their works, making Unkei's signature the oldest inscription by a sculptor in Japan. This signature indicates Unkei's desire to assert his individuality and pride in his craftsmanship.
13)
Unkei was greatly influenced by his father, Kōkei, a renowned sculptor. While Unkei respected his father's work, he developed his style.
The signature on this statue is believed to signify his desire to establish himself as an independent artist, continuing his family's legacy while forging his path in Buddhist sculpture.
14)
Unkei's influence on future generations:
Unkei's work left a lasting legacy on Japanese Buddhist art, influencing generations of sculptors. His statues went beyond mere religious icons, introducing a new style of Buddhist sculpture that captured human emotion and vitality.
The realism and power of Unkei's sculptures profoundly influenced later works, especially during and after the Kamakura period.
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Conclusion:
Unkei's Dainichi Nyorai statues continue to captivate audiences with their artistic beauty and technical mastery. His passion for Buddhist sculpture and innovative techniques left an indelible mark on the world of Japanese art.
Unkei's sculptures transcend their religious function to stand as timeless works of art that breathe life and emotion into their forms and will continue to be celebrated for generations.
//Postscript//
The statue is tilted backwards four degrees.
This corrects the posture by increasing the space around the hands and stomach.
Other Buddha statues usually have curved backs and hands close to the body.
Until now, Buddha statues had been hollow inside, but he placed an "ofuda" (paper charm) inside, which could be considered a soul.
He put the lid on the bottom of the statue and signed it.
And so, he could leave his name as the oldest Buddhist sculptor.
This means that Unkei stands with his back straight, tears in his eyes as he thinks of our sorrows, and loves us with all his heart.
The Kamakura Period (1185-1333): The Supreme Buddhist Sculptor Unkei (1151-1223) -Three Dainichi Nyorai Statues and Forms of Prayer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wten_yRoIOE
