| This relatively small polychrome wood sculpture attributed to the prominent artist Tankei of the Kamakura Era is one of beauty and prestige within the community at Kozanji. Commissioned by Buddhist Priest Myoe, it depicts Zenmyo-shin, a Chinese Maiden turned protector of the Buddhist monk Gisho. At this point in the story, Zenmyo is standing at the edge of the ocean offering her farewell gifts to the Buddhist Monk Gisho after falling in love with him, only to be rejected due to his extreme commitment to Buddhism. Zenmyo, although a Japanese figure, was originally a Chinese maiden, which explains her foreign attire and Chinese features. The base of the sculpture was created in a rough and organic manor suggesting a rocky, rough ground surface in which Zenmyo stands. In contrast to the rough surface, the figure’s attire is sculpted with a true sense of fluidity and ease. The fluidity of the fabric may draw the viewer’s eye to the simple gold leaf and black box Zenmyo holds in her hands. This box represents the farewell gifts Zenmyo offers to Gisho, as he leaves her community on his journey to enlightenment. Along with the offering, Zenmyo is also dressed in her best clothing adorned complete with a traditional head ornament made of intricately designed metal. Although Zenmyo at this point is taken with grief at the realization of her unrequited lover leaving her, her face is sculpted to appear quite serene, and peaceful in the state of her life. Similar to the faces of many bodhisattvas she is quite emotionless. It is as if Zenmyo has in fact accepted her fate to not be loved in return and to instead protect her love throughout his journey. She appears very much unlike a grieving maiden could be portrayed and instead like a strong, calm and collected woman ready to do her duty for the sake of Buddhism. |
