Hosshoji Temple Main Hall: Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara

JAPAN, Kyoto; Heian period

The appearance of this figure is based on the description of the Womb Realm Mandala. The head, torso and two principal pairs of arms are carved from cherry wood. The other arms and faces are made from a different wood. The stand and the items held in the hands are later additions. The statue was believed to have been the main statue during the opening ceremony of Hosshoji Temple in 924. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1952.
The statue has 28 heads, the majority piled on top of the crown. The expression on the main face is calm. There are 20 arms on each side, so the shoulders were broadened to accommodate them. The hands hold various Dharma instruments or form mudras. The hands in front of the chest are joined in reverence while those below hold an alms bowl. The undulating lines of the clothing and stole create a sense of upward movement. Judging from the style, the statue was created during the early 10th century.