Five Great Akasagarbha Bodhisattvas

CHINA; Tang dynasty

These statues were brought to Japan in 847 by the monk Eun after he had completed his Buddhist studies in China. They were initially housed in Anshouji Temple but were later moved to their current location. They were listed as Important Cultural Property in 1901.
They are, from the right, Vajra Akasagarbha of the eastern realm riding a lion; Ratnaprabha Akasagarbha of the southern realm on an elephant; the Dharmadhatu Akasagarbha of the center riding a horse; the Karmakriya Akasagarbha of the northern realm riding on a garuda; and finally the Padma Akasagarbha of the western realm seated on a peacock.
Each statue was carved from a single block of wood and sits on an ornate lotus throne. The figures wear openwork crowns and carry a scepter in the left hand and various attributes in the right hand. The nimbuses are represented by two concentric circles with a flame motif at the sides and top.