Okimono Figure Rakan

The majority of Buddha’s disciples, the rakan, are portrayed with shaved heads.

In the works of art, the shaved head symbolizes the fact that the person has reached enlightenment or Nirvana with the assistance of Buddhist teachings. It is associated with the wisdom that a person gains along with age. Buddhist monks shave their heads to show their complete devotion to Buddha’s teachings.

The large ear loops are also a part of Buddhist iconography and signify wisdom and compassion. Buddha is able to hear and soothe the entire world’s suffering. The rakan is also portrayed with expressive ears as he has Buddha’s wisdom, has reached a state of enlightenment, and feels compassion for the world’s suffering.

At his feet, the rakan has the traditional Japanese uchiwa (うちわ) fan, which is one of the features of the Binzuru.

Initially, the fans were made of the large leaves of plants, animal fur or bird feathers and were used in the temples of Buddhist monks and daily to undertake cleansing rituals and prayers. From the ornamentation on the fan, it can be seen that it is made of bird feathers.

Holy Buddhist texts are kept in a kyōbako sutra box. The sutra box is decorated with a shippo (七宝), an ornament which is associated with the seven treasures of Buddhism – gold, silver, lazurite, agate, pearls, corrals, and crystal.

All seven materials are found in Asia and represent the seven qualities of Buddhist teaching, which must be observed – faith, persistence, humility, not harming others, mindfulness, concentration and wisdom.

The name shippo is also associated with a special enamel decoration technique, using metal strips and precious stones. The shippo ornament symbolizes infinite harmony and peace.

The rakan is portrayed in the traditional Buddhist disciple’s garment, the kesa, which covers the whole body from head to foot. The garment can also be worn by exposing the right shoulder.

Several important ornaments can be seen on the garment. One of them is the previously mentioned lotus flower and the second, the seigaiha (青海波), a symbol, which translated, literally means blue sea and waves. The seigaiha symbolizes the desire to spend a peaceful and fortunate life.