Dainichizan Mieji Temple (Mieji Kannon)
Main Image Dry-Lacquer Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
Impression TagsNobilityStillnessSolemnity
DescriptionThe principal image of Mieji Temple is a dry-lacquer standing Eleven-Faced Kannon dating to the late Nara, or Tenpyo, period and designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It was made using the hollow dry-lacquer technique: a clay core was shaped and covered with layers of hemp cloth and lacquer, then the clay inside was removed. It is a rare surviving example of this technique outside the major ancient centers. Several original transformed faces remain on the head, while the flowing robes, finely detailed ornaments and well-balanced proportions preserve the character of Tenpyo sculpture. Temple tradition says the image was moved via the area around present-day Mieji in Mizuho before reaching its current site in Gifu during the Sengoku period. It is normally hidden from view and unveiled each year on April 18.
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