Koben

JAPAN; Kamakura period

Koben was a Buddhist sculptor from the Kei school. The third son of famed sculptor, Unkei, he was honored with the title of Hokkyo (Dharma Bridge), the third highest rank awarded to Buddhist sculptors in Japan.
In 1198 under the expertise of his father, Koben assisted in the sculpting of the Heavenly Kings statues at the south gate of Toji Temple. At the middle gate, he completed the Two Heavenly Kings with his brothers, Tankei and Unga. Koben was also responsible for the statue Virupaksa in North Octagonal Hall of Kofukuji Temple. Originally enshrined in West Golden Hall of Kofukuji Temple, his sculptures of Demons Carrying Lamps - Ryutoki and Tentoki, are his only extant works; they are currently kept in the National Treasure Museum at Kofukuji Temple in Nara. The demons, full of expression and appearing almost comical in personality, were created with exquisite skill and uniquely exhibit Koben’s style.