Buddhism Statue Craftsman History (Japan) #5

The site is located at the cross of Shichijo st. and Takakura ave. You can see old-fashioned building. Shichijo Studio had been moved from here to Shijo-Karasuma during Muromachi period (14th – 16th century). So, this house is common house. Please don’t have behavior without thinking of anyone else. We can’t conclude that Jocho had lived there. According to the records, Kakujo who is son of Jocho had lived there. The explanation plate is saying that Jocho is the father of Buddhism statue craftsman. However Kojo (teacher of Jocho) is called the father of craftsman among the experts.

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Buddhism Statue Craftsman History (Japan) #4

#4 From Kamakura period (12th ? 14th century) to the present Even if Kei group had the golden age in Kamakura period, other group didn’t vanish completely. In the end of Kamakura period, Japan had got unstable, and the Imperial Court had been separated into two. The early 14th century, Japan had got stable again by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, Muromachi Bakufu the 3rd Shogun. And In group joined hands with new administrators, calm statues came back again. From the latter of Muromachi period to Sengoku period (Warring states period, 15th -16th century), realistic statues came back again. We have to know remarkable article during this period. That is craftsman Shukuin. He...

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Buddhism Statue Craftsman History (Japan) #3

#3 the golden age of Kei group (Kamakura period) In Heian period (8th ? 11th century), the center of Buddhism culture was Kyoto. Especially, Yen Group. They had produced statues from noble-class’ orders. On the other hand, one craftsman had gone to Nara. His name is Raijo. Unfortunately, the record of his actions have never remained, but we can find the record of Kocho who is grandson of Raijo. Kocho had the best pupul, Kokei. They had put all their energies into produce statue, because many statues and temples have disappeared by Genpei war between Taira clan and Minamoto clan at Nara. Their statues were rich in originality. At that...

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Buddhism Statue Craftsman History (Japan) #2

#2 Jocho & private studio years Talking of Buddhism statue of Heian period, we recall “Jocho style”. Jocho (son of Kojo) had built an era. His remarkable service is establishment of Yosegi method (not carving from one timber, join some wooden parts together). And he had turned it into a style of Japanese tastes. Generally, it’s admired that the hallmark of his works are gently, soft and aristocratic statue. A little come down in time, Chosei who is pupil of Jocho had had his studio at Kyoto Sanjo (called Sanjo Studio), and he had accepted many orders from noble-class. Chosei’s group is called Yen Group (because almost member had the...

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Buddhism Statue Craftsman History (Japan) #1

#1 From Buddhism introduction to Heian period In 6th century, Buddhism was introduced to Japan from Baekje (Korea). And the same time, Buddhism statue method was also brought. At that time, craftsm an who was from overseas (especially from China and Korea) took an important role(*1). It was the period that Japanese craftsmen learned the method as assisting them. In Nara period (8th century), the Governmental Buddhism statue studios were established. So, statues were produced by many Japanese craftsmen in Heian period (8th ? 12th century). But it was not in the habit of signing craftsman’s autograph to statue at that time. And we can’t know how they kept their...

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