DISCOVER FUKUI

The Sacred Kannon Bodhisattva enshrined in Fukujuji Temple's main hall is said to depict the form of the princess from the Hand-Pestle Festival. It has also been claimed that this Kannon Bodhisattva was brought from Tang China.

This seated statue stands 94.7 cm tall. Crafted from cypress wood, the head and torso were carved from a single block. The three sections were split apart, a mortise was made for the neck tenon, and after hollowing out the interior, the pieces were joined together. This construction method, combined with the gentle facial features, soft modeling of the flesh, and shallow carving of the folds in the robes, clearly identifies it as a work from the late Heian period.

The 'Record of the Origins of Shrines and Temples within Wakasa Province' states: "The principal image is the Seikanon (True Kannon). The creator is unknown, and its ancient origins are lost. It is said that Lord Minamoto no Sanmi no Yorimasa, during his campaign to exterminate the nuwa demons within the Imperial Palace, had this hall rebuilt for his prayers and vows... It is said that the bay was originally called Inaru Bay, but since Lord Yorimasa's time, it has been called Yashiro Bay." This passage conveys the connection to Minamoto no Yorimasa's reconstruction of the temple buildings, alongside the principal image of Kannon Bosatsu.

(Source: Digital Cultural Assets of Wakasa Obama )

※Viewing of the principal image is not permitted.