Kofukuji Temple East Golden Hall: Twelve Yaksa Generals

JAPAN, Nara; Kamakura period

The Generals flank the seated Medicine Buddha, six on each side, to act as his guardians. An inked inscription beneath the foot of General Pajra reveals that the figures were painted in 1207 and may have been completed that same year. Dynamic and expressive, they are considered to be creations of the Kei school masters. The statues were listed as National Treasures in 1953.
The figures were generally formed by joining two pieces of cypress wood laterally before carving, followed by attaching other parts depending on the varying postures. On the topknot of each figure are icons of animals, representing the Chinese Zodiac with which they are associated. The sculptures have an animated expression and are individualized by such details as hair standing on their ends, uplifted eyebrows, staring eyes, and gaping or grimacing mouths. The Generals stand on rocky pedestals wearing suits of armor and wielding weapons as they pose in martial stances, characteristically embodying their protective roles. Except for General Vajra, who wears sandals, the rest are booted or shod. Decorations such as auspicious floral motifs and whirling foliage are used in conjunction with gradient coloring and gilding, to create a variety of patterns.