Wooden Standing Statue of Zao Gongen (Statue of Buddha Zao)

Nationally Important Cultural Property
This is the omaedachi (statue placed in front of a hidden buddha at Buddhist temples, enshrined for public worship) of Nageiredo Hall, Sanbutsuji Temple.
It has lost some color due to repairs in recent years. A scientific investigation dates the wood back to the year 1002.
With a height of 74.6 cm, this wooden statue, made from a single piece of hinoki wood, is smaller than the main buddha statue, but is made with superb balance, said to have be made with an "urban" style among the Zao Gongen passed down at Sanbutsuji Temple. Believed to have been made in early 11th century.