Todaiji Temple Founder’s Hall: Master Roben

JAPAN, Nara; Heian period

The statue of Master Roben, Todaiji Temple’s first abbot, is enshrined in the founder’s hall. The first commemorative ceremony for him was held in 1019, according to the temple records. The figure is only available for public viewing once each year on the anniversary of his death. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1951.
The life-sized image of the monk is carved from a block of cypress wood, to which the legs were attached. He sits with legs crossed on a square base, wearing monastic robes and holding a scepter of office. The folds of the garment are clustered around the wrist. Roben’s face is lined, his expression solemnly formal in acknowledgment of the national importance of his office. A white undercoat is over-painted in colors that are well preserved because of the restricted access.