Zenjoji Temple
Main Image Wooden Standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
Impression TagsDignityNobilitySolemnity
DescriptionThe wooden standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu housed in the repository is a 228 cm single-block sculpture thought to date from the later 10th century or after in the Heian period and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Although now finished in black lacquer, traces of gold leaf remain in places, indicating that the entire figure was once gilded. Carved from a large tree trunk, it combines an imposing body with a calm face and softly rendered drapery and is one of the representative ancient Buddhist sculptures of the Izumo region. Zenjoji is an old Tendai temple traditionally founded by Gyoki during the Tenpyo era (729–749) and is the 24th temple of the Chugoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage. The image is normally closed to the public, but after repairs to the repository it was opened for a special Daihannya service on April 26, 2026. The next opening date has not been announced, so advance confirmation is required.
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