Jiunsan Togaku-in Temple (Raigoji)
Main Image Wooden Seated Amida Tathagata Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
Impression TagsRefinementNobilityPeacefulness
DescriptionTogaku-in preserves one of Higashimatsuyama's representative ancient Buddhist images, a wooden seated Amida Tathagata designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The 87.4 cm figure is made of joined hinoki wood and finished with lacquer and gold leaf. Its rounded, gentle modeling retains features of late-Heian sculpture, while the youthful tension of the face, upward-slanting eyes and deeply carved robe folds show characteristics associated with Kamakura sculpture. An inscription inside records that the master Buddhist sculptor Josho carried out "repair" work in 1253; Higashimatsuyama City notes that, given the contemporary meaning of the term and the scale of fundraising involved, 1253 may even have been the date of creation. Viewing outside the annual unveiling should be confirmed in advance; the image is unveiled every October 15. It is one of the relatively few high-quality historic Buddhist images in Saitama that can still be seen at its home temple on a recurring basis.
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