Standing Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)

This image is almost the same as N-179 in size and style. However, there are some differences. The front head ornament of this image is a flower and the spine is now shown on the back. While some argue that this image, N-153 and N-179 originally constituted a trinity, there are many issues yet to be solved before determining if they really constitute a trinity. For example, there are subtle differences in their styles and the pedestal of N-153, the central image, is a little simpler than that of N-179.The casting method of this image is also the same as that of N-179: The entire image up to the tenon below the pedestal with the upturned lotus petals is created in one cast. A hollow is created only in the upturned lotus flower and the image above the pedestal is solid. In this image, there is nothing created separately. There are not many mold cavities and the casting finish is good. While the part below the current pedestal with down-turned lotus petals is made of wood and lacquered, it seems that it was added in the Edo period and that originally, it had the same lower base as that of N-179.