Manmaru Hotoke (Large) | One-of-a-kind, hand-carved by a Buddhist sculptor from Kiso Hinoki cypress
Rather than a "Buddha to be worshipped," this piece was created as a "Buddha you can converse with," someone you can feel closer to. It was made with the intention of providing peace of mind through casual interaction, designed to be held and spoken to rather than worshipped. It depicts a child with their hands pressed together in prayer, and each piece is hand-carved entirely with chisels—from the shaping of the sphere to the detailing of the face—using carefully selected Japanese cypress. Additionally, a natural crystal is set between the eyebrows as the byakugo (the tuft of white hair on Buddha's forehead) to represent the "Buddha."
After being sold at numerous events hosted by the artist, and following a presentation to Prince Mikasa and sales at Soji-ji, the head temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism, these pieces are now sold at Ofuna Kannon-ji Temple in Kanagawa Prefecture. These Buddha statues, designed to be touched gently by hand, provide healing to all who encounter them.
Size (approx.): (Large) 65mm diameter
Weight (approx.): (Large) 60g
Material: Hinoki (Japanese cypress), crystal