Secrets of the Three Images of Shakyamuni at Hōryū-ji Temple

The Shaka Triad statues at Hōryū-ji Temple are widely known as representative works of Buddha statues from the Asuka period.

These statues are believed to have been created by the immigrant sculptor Kuratsukuri no Tori, and are known for their distinctive almond-shaped eyes and the subtle smile known as an “Archaic Smile.”

A characteristic feature of these statues is their emphasis on frontal appearance, with meticulous attention paid to bilateral symmetry.

However, an interesting aspect of these statues is that, in contrast to their emphasis on frontal appearance, little attention has been paid to the sides and back. In fact, it is said that from the side, these statues appear quite flat. Surprisingly, the two attendants on either side exist only in the front, with no backs, exhibiting a unique structure.

Such unique shaping is thought to be influenced by the Northern Wei period in China. In the Northern Wei, wall sculptures in cave temples, namely “relief sculptures,” were common, and these works are said to have had little concern for depth or backs.

The Shaka Triad statues at Hōryū-ji Temple reflect this cultural background.

    NameRequired

    SexRequired

    MaleFemale

    CountryRequired

    e-mailRequired

    CommentRequired

    Attached File
    ※Up to 3 MB for each file.




     

    ← ← "MUST CHECK" / Please confirm the above contents again and check this button.

    Contact Us

    Please fill out the form below and submit for your inquiry.

    ❈FirstName
    ❈LastName
    Country
    ❈E-mail
    （❈Confirm E-mail）
    ❈Inquiry category Question
    Consultation
    Impression
    Request
    Others
    ❈Comment

    ❈ is the mark for required item.

       

    Your privacy is important to us. We are committed to protecting your privacy.

    (or press ESC or click the overlay)

    CEO Message

    Our Feelings For Kakejiku

     The Japanese people have long set a high value on aesthetic senses since ancient times. As a result, the
    peculiar culture which is not seen in other countries blossomed and many aspects of the modern Japanese
    culture come from it. Parts of Japanese culture has been introduced to people in other countries recently,
    so the number of people from other countries who are interested in Japanese culture has been increasing.
    However, the Japanese aesthetic senses, which are the bases of Japanese culture, have been nurtured
    through a long history, intertwining various elements intricately, such as climate, geographical features,
    religion, customs and so on. Therefore, they are very difficult to understand not only for people from other
    countries, but even for the Japanese people. I think the best tool which conveys these difficult senses
    understandably is a “kakejiku.”
     The kakejiku (a hanging scroll; a work of calligraphy or a painting which is mounted and hung in an
    alcove or on a wall) is a traditional Japanese art. It's no exaggeration to say that paintings are what
    express aesthetic senses at all times and places. The kakejiku is an art which expresses the Japanese
    aesthetic senses. The kakejiku has long been used in traditional Japanese events, daily life and so on since
    ancient times. As a result, there are various customs of kakejiku in Japan; kakejiku and the life of the
    Japanese are closely related. We can see Japanese values through kakejiku.
     The kakejiku is a cultural tradition which the Japanese people should be proud of. However, many people
    in other countries don't know much about it because it hasn't been showcased as much. This is why I
    decided to try to introduce it. The kakejiku world is very interesting and beautiful. We want not only the
    Japanese, but also many people from other countries to know and enjoy it. I hope that many people will
    love kakejiku someday.

    (or press ESC or click the overlay)
    Company Profile
    syaoku.jpg(120220 byte)

    Name Art Nomura

    President Tatsuji Nomura

    Founded1973

    Established1992

    Address7-23 Babadori, Tarumi-ku, Kobe city,
    Hyougo Prefecture, 655-0021, Japan


    Capital10 million yen

    URLhttp://nomurakakejiku.com

    Our Business

     Art Nomura is an art dealer which produces kakejiku (hanging scrolls). We mount many paintings and calligraphic works in kakejiku in my factory. Kakejiku are our main product. We also remount and repair old or damaged kakejiku. We share the traditional Japanese art of kakejiku with people all over the world.


    (or press ESC or click the overlay)
    Access Map

    Access Map

     The Japanese people have long set a high value on aesthetic senses since ancient times. As a result, the
    peculiar culture which is not seen in other countries blossomed and many aspects of the modern Japanese
    culture come from it. Parts of Japanese culture has been introduced to people in other countries recently,
    so the number of people from other countries who are interested in Japanese culture has been increasing.
    However, the Japanese aesthetic senses, which are the bases of Japanese culture, have been nurtured
    through a long history, intertwining various elements intricately, such as climate, geographical features,
    religion, customs and so on. Therefore, they are very difficult to understand not only for people from other
    countries, but even for the Japanese people. I think the best tool which conveys these difficult senses
    understandably is a “kakejiku.”
     The kakejiku (a hanging scroll; a work of calligraphy or a painting which is mounted and hung in an
    alcove or on a wall) is a traditional Japanese art. It's no exaggeration to say that paintings are what
    express aesthetic senses at all times and places. The kakejiku is an art which expresses the Japanese
    aesthetic senses. The kakejiku has long been used in traditional Japanese events, daily life and so on since
    ancient times. As a result, there are various customs of kakejiku in Japan; kakejiku and the life of the
    Japanese are closely related. We can see Japanese values through kakejiku.
     The kakejiku is a cultural tradition which the Japanese people should be proud of. However, many people
    in other countries don't know much about it because it hasn't been showcased as much. This is why I
    decided to try to introduce it. The kakejiku world is very interesting and beautiful. We want not only the
    Japanese, but also many people from other countries to know and enjoy it. I hope that many people will
    love kakejiku someday.

    (or press ESC or click the overlay)