Higo Jokei

JAPAN; Heian to Kamakura period (794–1333)

Higo Jokei, commonly known as Higo Betto Jyokei, was a Buddhist sculptor active in the Nara area. During the Kamakura period (1185–1333), there were multiple sculptors with the name Jokei. To distinguish himself from the others, such as the Jokei who sculpted the image of Vimalakirti in the East Golden Hall of Kofukuji Temple, he signed his works as Higo Betto Jokei or Higo Hokkyo Jokei. He was therefore referred to as Higo Jokei.
In 1256, he was granted the title Hogen (Dharma Eye), which was the second highest rank awarded to Buddhist artists in Japan. This came as a result of his exquisitely sculpted image of Vajrapanibalin located at Yokokuraji Temple. Other works by Higo include the statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva at Kuramadera Temple, Cintamanicakra Avalokitesvara and Cundi at Daihoonji Temple, and Vajrapanibalin at Sekiganji Temple. All of these works are listed as Important Cultural Properties.