A Prayer With a Smile— Enku and Mokujiki

Sogo Museum of Art

Finished

Artists

Enku, Mokujiki

Enku (1632-1695) and Mokujiki (1718-1810) were leading sculptors of Buddhist statues across the country and here a comprehensive survey of their work is shown in Tokyo for the first time. Born in the former region of Minonokuni, Enku first began to sculpt at the age of 32 and crossed the islands of Japan for the following 30 years in his prolific work. 23 years after Enku’s death, Mokujiki was born in Kainokuni, leaving home at the age of 22 and undertaking a tour of the country at 56 years, only beginning his sculpting career at the age of 61. Living out their lives and travels in different periods of the Edo era, Enku and Mokujiki left behind a countless number of unique Buddhist statues which have become deeply worshiped. This exhibition features 250 works of these two masters, including newly found and yet un-exhibited works.

Schedule

Feb 7 (Sat) 2015-Mar 22 (Sun) 2015