An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Portrait of Hottō Enmyō Kokushic. 1295–1315
Hottō Enmyō Kokushi, is a posthumous title bestowed upon the Zen Buddhist monk Shinchi Kakushin (1203–1298) by the emperor Go-Daigo. The title means “perfectly awakened national teacher of the Dharma lamp.” Considered a fine example of “Kamakura realism,” while downplaying detail in the body, the sculpture emphasizes fidelity in representing the visage of Kakushin.
Two famous sculptural portraits of this monk, one at the temple Ankokuji in Hiroshima, and another at the temple Kōkokuji in Wakayama, are dated to 1275 and 1286, respectively.
Hinoki cypress wood with lacquer, metal staples and fittings
Overall: 91.4 cm (36 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
In the quiet echoes of history, a name emerges, shrouded in layers of time—the Zen Buddhist monk, Shinchi Kakushin. Born in the year 1203, Kakushin's life journey would ripple through the ages, eventually earning him a posthumous honor: the title Hottō Enmyō Kokushi, granted by the visionary emperor Go-Daigo. This title whispers of profound respect, translating to "perfectly awakened national teacher of the Dharma lamp," a beacon illuminating the path of spiritual wisdom for generations.
Picture a sculptor, his hands expertly caressing the cool, unforgiving stone. From the depths of this material, he sought to breathe life into the visage of Kakushin, capturing not the intricate details of body but the essence of the man himself. This approach reflects the aesthetics of "Kamakura realism," where true art lies not in embellishment but in the faithful representation of character. What stands before us is not merely a sculpture; it is a silent testament, a gateway to the soul of a diverse era in Japan.
As you gaze upon Kakushin's face, let your thoughts wander. The serene expression, imbued with clarity and wisdom, invites you to pause. Here is a spirit frozen in time, a reminder that enlightenment and truth were not just historical concepts but lived experiences. Each curve of his features speaks of a life dedicated to understanding the mysteries of existence, much like a lantern flickering softly in the enveloping night. It beckons you to reflect on your journey, urging you to seek your own illumination in the darkness.
Kakushin’s legacy endures, a thread woven into the fabric of time—a narrative that transcends the fleeting moments of life, leading us gently back to the heart of our shared human experience.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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