Figure of Buddhist Monk Saicho (767–822)

Artists created not only beautiful images of deities but also sensitive portrayals of revered teachers. The Buddhist monk Saicho (767–822) was a religious scholar who popularized Buddhism in Japan to the point that it competed with the indigenous Shinto religion.

One of the most important figures in the history of Japanese Buddhism, Saicho traveled extensively in China and returned to Japan in 805, establishing a temple on a mountain northeast of the city of Heian (present-day Kyoto), to which monks traveled from all over Asia. Saicho was posthumously awarded the title Dengyo Daishi (Great Teacher).

Monks could trace their teachers through a long line originating with the historical Buddha himself. This portrait sculpture, made nearly four centuries after Saicho’s death, depicts him with Buddha-like facial features, seated in the meditative lotus position.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

Purchased by Mrs. Saundra Neubardt [1].

[1] in London, possibly from Spink.