Ensei

JAPAN; Heian period

Ensei was a Buddhist sculptor of the Enpa school. He was a disciple of Chosei and the father of Cho’en and Ken’en. Having good relations with Emperor Shirakawa (reigned 1073–1087), Ensei and the Enpa school handled most sculptural projects for the imperial family.
Because of his exceptional work sculpting statues for various temples, Ensei was honored with the three highest ranks awarded to a Buddhist artist, namely Hokkyo (Dharma Bridge ), Hogen (Dharma Eye ), and Hoin (Dharma Seal ). His sculptural works include Five Dhyani Buddhas of Prabhutaratna Pagoda, a Yamantaka statue, an Amitabha Buddha statue, and the statue for prayer governed by Empress Dowager Taiken.
Ensei’s sculptures are usually big with rounded bodies and are modest in style. Additional works include the Medicine Buddha, completed with his son, Cho’en, at Ninnaji Temple in Kyoto. This piece was listed as a National Treasure.