Wooden Seated Statue of Amitabha (Important Cultural Property)

Although Mitaki-dera Temple is located just a stone's throw from the city, it is a quiet temple where you can experience the atmosphere of a deep mountain valley. The pagoda, which stands out in vivid vermilion against the greenery of the trees, was moved here from Wakayama Prefecture in 1951. The seated statue of Amida Nyorai enshrined within the pagoda was moved here from Kanshin-ji Temple in Kawachinagano City, Osaka Prefecture, after the pagoda was completed. It is made of cypress wood in a yosegi style (a technique in which two or more pieces of wood are joined together to make the main parts of the head and body), and is finished with lacquer and gold leaf placed on top. Even after many years, the gold leaf still shines with a gentle glow. The Nyorai Buddha has a round face with a gentle expression, with plump lower cheeks. It is designed so that the gaze falls in front of the statue's knees, so when a person praying in front of the Buddha looks up at the statue, it feels as if the Buddha is staring at them. This is called the "bird's-eye view" and is a common feature of most Tathagata statues. It may have been passed down as an appropriate facial expression for a Buddha who watches over all living beings. The arabesque halo behind the statue and the lotus flower detailing on the pedestal are also elegant. This is a masterpiece that clearly represents the Jocho-style* style, which was mainstream for Buddhist statues at the end of the Heian period. According to an inscription written in ink inside the statue, the statue was donated to Kannon-ji Temple in Hino Village, Nishiki County, Kawachi Province, in November 1154 (4th year of Nihei). *Jocho-style is a style of Buddhist statue perfected by the sculptor Jocho in the 11th century. The style is extremely elegant and was welcomed by the aristocrats of the time. Date of designation: February 8, 1958 Summary: Marquetry, cypress wood, lacquered leaf, statue height 87cm, pedestal height 67cm, total height 191cm