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antique wooden buddhist statue of kukai in meditation - 1800’s

antique wooden buddhist statue of kukai in meditation - 1800’s

Regular price ¥47,340 JPY
Regular price Sale price ¥47,340 JPY
Sale Sold out
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Love Japanese Style Like We Do

A wonderful piece of history, this large 1800’s wooden Buddhist statue captures Kukai seated in lotus pose, deep in meditation. The statue exudes tranquility and peace, perfect for meditation and mindfulness practices. Add a touch of serenity to your space with this unique antique piece.

Kukai, or Kobo Daishi, was a great man of the Heian Period. He was the founder of the Shingon School of Japanese Buddhism; a form of Buddhism that teaches enlightenment can be found through meditation in a single lifetime. The sacred sites where he wandered in the mountains of his birthplace, Shikoku, while practicing asceticism,  still continue to be a place of worship as part of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.

The wooden statue dates back to the Edo period. Kukai sits on his chair in the lotus pose, with the soothingly, calm facial expression of meditation. He holds a three-pointed scepter, symbolizing the  three jewels of Buddhism and the three mysteries of word, thought, and action. The scepter is also a weapon that destroys all evil. In his left hand is a rosary of 108 beads, used for prayers and mantras. 108 is a sacred number, representing the number of earthly passions and desires that blind and delude us, entrapping us in this world of hurt.

This is a very old piece with damage, missing parts, (top of scepter, bottom of chair, etc.) paint peeling, fading and the darkened patina of age, all contributing to its very pleasant antique presence. 

A special item for the collector of religious artifacts and for those who appreciate Japanese religious decor.

- Kukai measures 16 cm (6.3”) tall x 15 cm (6”) across.
- total height with chair 28 cm (11”) tall x 24 cm (9.4”) across.
- weighs 720 gm.

(listing for seated Kukai statue only)

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping notes in shipping policy.
- we use recycle packaging wherever possible and wrap for safety, rather than appearance!

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE, ANTIQUE AND OTHER ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.

KOBO DAISHI/KUKAI
Kukai ( Kobo Daishi ) was a renowned monk who established the Shingon ( Esoteric ) school of Buddhism in Japan during the early Heian era ( 794-1185 ). Even after 1,200 years since his birth, his followers call him by the more familiar name of Odaishi-sama, and his beliefs continue to be popular, as is the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail.

Kukai was born in Zentsu-ji, Tadotsu Province, in present-day Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku. At the age of 15 he moved to the capital to study, where he came under the influence of a Buddhist priest. He returned to Shikoku to pursue a severe, ascetic form of Buddhism among the mountains. These mountains include Mt. Ishizuchi in Ehime Prefecture and a large rock at Tairyu-ji, the 21st temple. He is said to have attained enlightenment at a cave located in Muroto, Kochi Prefecture. Thereafter, he changed his name to Kukai, meaning 'sky and sea', which reflects the view he saw from this cave. 

At the age of 31 he went to China where he mastered Esoteric Buddhism from its preeminent master, Hui-guo. After returning to Japan, Kukai moved to the capital city and established a seminary nearby at Koya-san ( Mt. Koya ). He spread the beliefs of Shingon Buddhism and spent much time in meditation before he died at the age of 62. Some believe that Kukai did not die, but is in a higher level of meditation.

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