Kosho

JAPAN; Kamakura period

The fourth son of Unkei, Kosho was a Kei school Buddhist sculptor who was honored with the titles of Hokkyo (Dharma Bridge) and Hogen (Dharma Eye). Between 1197 and 1198, and under the leadership of his father, Kosho assisted in sculpting the Heavenly Kings at the south gate of Toji Temple in Kyoto.
Kosho maintained traditional sculpting techniques and incorporated a sense of realism into his sculptures. Extant works by Kosho include the gilded bronze seated Amitabha Buddha at Horyuji Temple in Nara and the statue of Master Kuya at Rokuharamitsuji Temple in Kyoto, both of which are listed as Important Cultural Properties. The 66.4 cm high seated Amitabha Buddha was sculpted with reference to the Sakyamuni Buddha Triad and Medicine Buddha in the Golden Hall of Horyuji Temple. On the aureole of the statue, there is an inscription with his name on it.
Another sculpture by Kosho is the statue of Master Kukai at Toji Temple. Created in 1233, this statue is the earliest sculpture of Kukai that is extant today. In his right hand, Kukai holds a vajra, while his left hand grasps a string of prayer beads. This sculpture is listed as a National Treasure and is currently part of the collection at Toji Temple.