A.I.C. : Hands of the Heian and Kamakura
It looks like the 12th Century was something of a watershed in Japanese history -- and this large-scale event was marked by new styles of painting - sculpture - and prose -- that are memorable, dramatic, and often-called realistic.
Can we tell that difference from looking at the hands of a few near-life-size statues in the collection of the A.I.C. ?
Here's the Heian:
Heian: 10th-12th C. -- Yakushi Nyorai (deity of healing)
Yakushi Nyorai
Heian: 11th C. -- Bishamon -- deity who guards temples directions)
Bishamon
-------- and here's some Kamakura:
Kamakura:1185-1333 -- Shukongo Jin (deity who protects the law)
Kamakura:1185-1333 -- Shukongo Jin
Kamakura:1185-1333 -- Shukongo Jin
Kamakura: 1185-1333 -- Nyorin Kannon (deity of compassion, wish granting)
Kamakura: 1185-1333 Fudo Miyo-o
Fudo Miyo-o
Kamakura: 1185-1333 Jizo Bosatsu (deity of compassion)
Jizo Bosatsu
I'm not sure what conclusions to draw.
The Kamakura deities of protection seem much more fierce -- with energy being expressed rather than potential -- and that Heian deity of compassion seems
oh-so-delicate. Overall -- maybe the Heian feels more other-worldly or heavenly -- while the Kamakura is more earth-bound.
Can we tell that difference from looking at the hands of a few near-life-size statues in the collection of the A.I.C. ?
Here's the Heian:
Heian: 10th-12th C. -- Yakushi Nyorai (deity of healing)
Yakushi Nyorai
Heian: 11th C. -- Bishamon -- deity who guards temples directions)
Bishamon -------- and here's some Kamakura:
Kamakura:1185-1333 -- Shukongo Jin (deity who protects the law)
Kamakura:1185-1333 -- Shukongo Jin
Kamakura:1185-1333 -- Shukongo Jin 
Kamakura: 1185-1333 -- Nyorin Kannon (deity of compassion, wish granting)
Kamakura: 1185-1333 Fudo Miyo-o 
Fudo Miyo-o
Kamakura: 1185-1333 Jizo Bosatsu (deity of compassion)
Jizo BosatsuI'm not sure what conclusions to draw.
The Kamakura deities of protection seem much more fierce -- with energy being expressed rather than potential -- and that Heian deity of compassion seems
oh-so-delicate. Overall -- maybe the Heian feels more other-worldly or heavenly -- while the Kamakura is more earth-bound.
posted by chris miller at 9:59 PM
5 Comments:
is a valid comparison between the AIC heian and kamakura statuary valid about heian and kamakura staturary in general? :)
i love the second photo -- what an amazingly beautiful hand, i want to fall on my knees and worship
Can this comparison be generalized ?
I have no idea --- that's why I posted it -- so people (like yourself ?) who have been to Japan and visited the great temples can offer their opinions.
And I also love the second photo -- but then -- actually -- I love them all -- even the fierce ones.
Amazing...I love hands, these hands for sure, and touching and being touched is one of the best senses of being a human...I notice people's hands soon after I stare into their eyes...thanksfor this.
Is it possible for you to post a detailed picture of Shukongo-jin's face and/or complete sculpture?
In order to improve the prospects of my next life -- I've posted a comlete picture of Shukongo-Jim here
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