The one who transformed a scrap piece of wood into a statue of Buddha is Enku (1632-1695). This Edo period Buddhist practitioner carved numerous wooden Buddha statues. Buddha’s figure emerged through rough chiselling. It is believed that Enku carved 120,000 Buddha statues in his life. I wonder if the intention was to make an accessible path for ordinary people to convert to Buddhism. In creating Buddha statues, each figure is realised reflecting the feeling of the sculptor, the practitioner of Buddhism. The Buddha statues made by Mokujiki (1718-1810), who came after Enku, hold tranquility and smiles in contrast to the sharpness and clarity in Enku’s work. They are often compared, but some people feel closer to Enku’s work, while others feel closer to Mokujiki. We face Buddha through our minds.

Imposing statues of Buddha for large temples of the Nara period were usually made by established sculptors who were able to compose sublime spaces of Buddhism. In the time when the religion of the nation became the religion of the people, it is natural that mobile, accessible statues of Buddha were born. However, even though it is grand, there is no use for a statue of Buddha if it doesn’t enter people’s minds.
Mokujiki was discovered by Soetsu Yanagi, who led Mingei Undo (Folk Art Movement). In the gracious faces of the statues of Mokujiki, Yanagi must have felt a sort of religious opening through the Dogma of Beauty that he established.

Work of Enku or Mokujiki are likely categorised under ‘People’s Buddha Statues’ in the antique world. I sometimes get drawn towards wooden Buddha statues that are made by unknown artists. When and for which prayer were these Buddha carved? These were not belonging to large temples. Hand-held wooden Buddha statues. These are forms of prayer for ordinary people in the Edo period who lived modest lives, allowing them to express their emotions.
The Sanmen Kannon statue with three faces that I have has a perfect proportion between the volume of the pedestal and its body, as well as a wonderful sense of unity. The face seems peaceful, as if it is able to save us while seeing through all of the past, present and future. The slight Bodhisattva statue is lovely and rhythmic. The statue of Jizo Bosatsu (Jizo Bodhisattva) even reminds me of the beautiful posture of tribespeople in Africa. I stroke it with respect and friendship.

These are rather simple wooden Buddha statues. But the ordinary might hold the key to the pathway to salvation. Here is one more Buddha statue. The Skanda (Hindu god of war) is often referred to as a fast runner, based on a popular superstition: Skanda ran and caught Yaksha/Yakshini who stole the Sarira (Buddhist relics). The human lifetime until we become ash passes as quick as a flash. The statue faces me every morning as if it warns me about how much time is left for me. I ask at the end of my day whether I have achieved anything fruitful. Yet days are running by just as quick as Skanda.

Masahito Kurotani, Director, genra art