The Maker Speaks
The Jocho-style Buddha Statuary
Looked Ultimate?
Looked Ultimate?
In the 11th century Japan, there was a Buddha statuary sculptor man. He was Jocho. We don't know clearly when he was born. We just know he was active in the 1000's, passed away in the middle of the century. And he created some masterpieces in the times.
However, as you know, the times are too far from us in the presence to reach easily. Look around now. Aren't you hard to find anything kept from the 11th century? It is said Jocho created several Buddha statues in his life, but most of them were bygone as water under the bridge. No matter how much you miss, they will not appear again. Am I talking about the ending of puppy love? Or about what the time is?
If you desire to see the Jocho work actually, you have to go to Kyoto. And then visit the Byodo-in there. There is the statue of Amida-nyorai designated as Japanese National Treasure. It is the only one they can be sure that Jocho created. As mentioned above, Jocho made several statues. But it is hard to be sure that most of them were really made by him.
Amida-nyorai in the Byodo-in
(National Treasure)
File: Byodoin Amitaabha Buddha.JPG
from the Japanese Wikipedia
（April 24, 2008）
What is special about Jocho? I don't know what theories tell, since I am not a scholar studying art. Then I can just let my personal opinion say.
I suppose Jocho completed the Japanese style of Buddha statuary. Before the 11th century, Japan was just an undeveloped nation who had to imitate China culture. China were in cultural advance at the time, Japanese people created Chinese-style statues. And came the time to graduate from the imitating stage. Japan had got their unique style on several when Jocho was alive. The more Buddhism spread in Japan, the more the appearance changed adjusting to Japanese nature. And Jocho created the ultimate style. Why can I say so? It is said the Jocho juniors decided to follow Jocho style after he was gone. I don't know why but they didn't try to polish it up, just followed up. What made them do so? I believe they found nothing to improve there, the Jocho works looked perfect.
However, as you know, the times are too far from us in the presence to reach easily. Look around now. Aren't you hard to find anything kept from the 11th century? It is said Jocho created several Buddha statues in his life, but most of them were bygone as water under the bridge. No matter how much you miss, they will not appear again. Am I talking about the ending of puppy love? Or about what the time is?
If you desire to see the Jocho work actually, you have to go to Kyoto. And then visit the Byodo-in there. There is the statue of Amida-nyorai designated as Japanese National Treasure. It is the only one they can be sure that Jocho created. As mentioned above, Jocho made several statues. But it is hard to be sure that most of them were really made by him.
Amida-nyorai in the Byodo-in
(National Treasure)
File: Byodoin Amitaabha Buddha.JPG
from the Japanese Wikipedia
（April 24, 2008）
What is special about Jocho? I don't know what theories tell, since I am not a scholar studying art. Then I can just let my personal opinion say.
I suppose Jocho completed the Japanese style of Buddha statuary. Before the 11th century, Japan was just an undeveloped nation who had to imitate China culture. China were in cultural advance at the time, Japanese people created Chinese-style statues. And came the time to graduate from the imitating stage. Japan had got their unique style on several when Jocho was alive. The more Buddhism spread in Japan, the more the appearance changed adjusting to Japanese nature. And Jocho created the ultimate style. Why can I say so? It is said the Jocho juniors decided to follow Jocho style after he was gone. I don't know why but they didn't try to polish it up, just followed up. What made them do so? I believe they found nothing to improve there, the Jocho works looked perfect.
