Situo

CHINA, Shandong, Linyi; Tang dynasty

Situo was a monk born with the surname Wang in Yizhou (present day Lingyi, Shandong). He became a disciple of Master Jianzhen, and accompanied him on his six travel attempts to Japan during the rule of Emperor Xuanzong (reigned 712–756). Staying at Todaiji Temple, he taught precepts and the teachings of the Tiantai school. Situo was active in constructing temples, sculpting statues of the Buddha, and writing manuscripts. He wrote 10 fascicles of Record of Monks During the Yanli Period, and 3 fascicles of Master Jianzhen’s Journey to Japan. The latter has been translated and published in several versions today.
The dry lacquer sculpture of Master Jianzhen in the founder’s hall at Toshodaiji Temple in Nara, Japan was said to be a result of a collaboration between Situo and the Japanese monk Renji. This lively and finely crafted statue measuring 80.1 cm in height is listed as a National Treasure of Japan. It is also said that Situo was involved in sculpting the dry lacquer statue of Vairocana Buddha in the Golden Hall of Toshodaiji Temple.