National Treasures & Important Cultural Properties
of National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

The overall posture, facial features and pedestal form of this image are similar to those of the Kannon Bodhisattva image of Kongoji Temple in Osaka, which suggest that they were created by sculptors of the same school. However, although the finishes of the ornament over the breast, the yoraku (threaded metal/bead decorations), the wrist decorations and both feet are not complete, gold plating is applied. There must have been some reason for the rush. On the other hand, this image serves as a valuable material that shows the state of an image before an elaborate finish is applied with a chisel.
The image, including the pedestal, is created in one cast and hollowed out from the pedestal up to the ankles. The body above the ankles is solid. While it is missing now, the right hand is cast separately and there is a mortise on the right forearm, to which the right hand was attached. Since only a few mold cavities remain in the head, it can be said that the casting finish of this image is good. While gold plating remains over almost the entire surface except the reverse side of the head ornament, there are currently no traces of coloring.