When you hear about a magnificent Buddha statue designated as an important cultural property by the country, you might imagine that "everything is perfectly calculated and enveloped in a sacred aura."
However, visiting 'Kamiumanai Yakushido' in Aizubakuhonmachi, Fukushima Prefecture, might change that image a bit.
This is an important ancient temple guarding the western side of "Aizu Five Yakushi," but if you closely observe the Buddha statues enshrined here, you might want to comment, "Huh? Isn't it a bit rough here?" There are many human-like and mysterious points hidden.
This time, we will guide you on an academic mystery tour that reveals the "hidden faces" of the sculptors, which cannot be understood through lofty art explanations.
[Mystery 1] Why is only the "foot" of Yakushi Nyorai so flat?
As you proceed deeper into the hall, you will be greeted by a huge and majestic "Wooden Yakushi Nyorai Sitting Statue (Designated Important Cultural Property)" measuring 1.83 meters tall.
It is made from a single zelkova tree, with a plump, gentle, and mild face. It is a masterpiece from the mid-Heian period (late 10th century).
However, pay attention to the lower half of this Yakushi. Compared to the magnificent upper body, the feet seem unnaturally "flat."
Why is that?
Craftsmen of the Edo period battling deadlines
In fact, this statue has a history of being hurriedly repaired because its lower half was decayed when the temple was restored during the Genroku era of the Edo period (around 1690).
According to tradition, the date of the temple's "Completion Ceremony (Renewal Opening)" was approaching, and the sculptors were in a panic!
They probably thought, "Visitors will look up from below, and since the feet will be covered with cloth (lacquer), let's skip the invisible parts and finish it quickly!" and thus it was made in a rush (with a bit of cutting corners).
Can you almost hear the desperate excuses of the craftsmen from the Edo period racing against deadlines? It somehow feels relatable, doesn't it?
[Mystery 2] Did the Twelve Divine Generals forcibly "modify" the Four Heavenly Kings!?
Near the entrance of the hall, there are five statues of the "Twelve Divine Generals (Juni Shinsho)," who are the bodyguards of Yakushi Nyorai.
However, these statues are also under "a significant suspicion."
Generally, it is the role of the "Four Heavenly Kings" to step on evil spirits (small demons), and the Twelve Divine Generals do not step on them. Yet, for some reason, the Twelve Divine Generals here are stepping on the evil spirits with great force.
Moreover, one of the five clearly has a different style and stands stiffly with a face resembling an anime character.
A miraculous collaboration born from "adult circumstances"?
From here on is speculation, but there might have been a conversation among people at that time.
- "Since the main deity is Yakushi Nyorai, we definitely want the Twelve Divine Generals."
- "But we don't have the money to make 12 new ones."
- "Then let's modify the 'Four Heavenly Kings (4 statues)' around here and call them the Twelve Divine Generals!"
- "Oh, that's a great idea! While we're at it, let's make one more new statue and have five in total!"
The truth lies in the darkness, but imagining such "budget constraints" and "adult circumstances" while viewing the Buddha statues is the highest form of intellectual entertainment in historical exploration.
[Cultural Perspective] Is it 'during training' or 'after enlightenment'?
Of course, not only are there funny episodes, but deep Buddhist teachings are also hidden.
Let's compare the sitting posture (lotus position) of the Yakushi Nyorai of 'Katsuzouji', which is also one of the Aizu Five Yakushi, with that of the Yakushi Nyorai of this 'Kamiuman Yakushido'.
Understanding the status of the Buddha from the way they sit
・Katsuzouji (Demon-Subduing Posture): The left foot is placed on the right thigh. This is a 'during training' strict posture.
・Kamiuman Yakushido (Auspicious Posture): The right foot is placed on the left thigh. This is a 'after enlightenment' calm posture.
The differences in facial expressions are firmly hidden behind such doctrinal reasons.
Fieldwork to explore the 'true intentions' hidden in the Buddha statues
How was it?
When you take off the rigid glasses of 'magnificent cultural assets' found in art books, you will discover a human drama, just like us, struggling with budgets and deadlines.
At 'Tabinoito', we offer tours in the [Academic Style] where guides humorously and academically explain the 'behind-the-scenes stories' and 'tips for identification' of these Buddha statues.
"This Buddha must have been worried about missing the deadline (laughs)"
How about going out for a fun and deep appreciation of Buddha statues while having an inner dialogue with the craftsmen of the Edo period?
[Unraveling the hidden history, an adult fieldwork experience]
A comfortable journey through the real breath of history, different from period dramas, in a dedicated vehicle.
A dedicated guide will introduce you to the stories of Aizu that are not found in textbooks.
First, feel free to consult us via LINE.
