The figure’s proportions are based on the balanced style of Unkei and Kaikei. The drapery is rendered in the honpa-shiki (“rolling-wave”) style characteristic of the Jogan (early Heian) period, while the face evokes the gentle expression of the Fujiwara (late Heian) period.

For the pedestal’s mongake-za (skirt-hanging base), I drew inspiration from a Buddhist image by Yamazaki Choun, a distinguished disciple of Takamura Koun, reflecting my own lineage as a sculptor in Koun’s school.

Although the base is simple and modern and the aureole is traditional with deep carving, I expect the ensemble to mellow and harmonize over time.

Rinka-in — Myoshin-ji sub-temple (Rinzai Zen).