A Representative Tenpyo Buddha of Kyotanabe
The Standing Eleven-Headed Kannon, Wood-Core Dry Lacquer (Omido Kannonji) (木心乾漆十一面観音立像（本堂安置）) is a Nara-period standing Eleven-Headed Kannon enshrined in the main hall of Omido Kannonji at Fugenji, Kyotanabe City, Kyoto Prefecture, which in 1953 was designated a National Treasure.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one figure owned by Kannonji, first designated under the old system in 1909.
According to the Kyotanabe City Tourism Association, it is said to date from the temple's founding by the monk Roben in 744.
The Statue
According to the tourism association, it is made of dry lacquer over a single-block wooden core and finished with gold leaf on lacquer. It stands 172.7 centimetres high and weighs 66.0 kilograms.
Parts altered by repeated repairs were restored to their present form with advanced Showa-era techniques. Seven of the heads on the crown, the right earlobe and the fingers (except the right little finger), as well as the scarves and held objects, are later replacements. It stands on a six-tiered lotus pedestal using the original seed pod and base, with petals, reversed petals and an octagonal frame added.
What to Look For
The tourism association calls it a representative Tenpyo-period (mid-Nara) Buddhist image and the only National Treasure in Kyotanabe City.
It relates that Kannonji was founded by the monk Gien at the wish of Emperor Tenmu and enlarged by Roben at the wish of Emperor Shomu. Once known as the great temple of Tsutsuki, it lost most of its buildings in fires, including one in 1437, and only the great hall was rebuilt.
Visiting the Standing Eleven-Headed Kannon, Wood-Core Dry Lacquer (Omido Kannonji)
According to the Kyoto Prefecture Tourism Federation and the Kyotanabe tourism association, the temple is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and admission is 500 yen.
It is 25 minutes on foot from Miyamaki Station on the JR and Kintetsu lines, with parking. Enquiries: Omido Kannonji, 0774-62-0668.
Q&A
- When was the statue designated a National Treasure?
- On 31 March 1953.
- How is it made?
- Dry lacquer over a single-block wooden core, gilded.
- How big is it?
- 172.7 cm high, weighing 66.0 kg.
- When was it made?
- At the temple's founding by Roben in 744, according to tradition.
- Can I see it?
- Yes, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., admission 500 yen.
Basic Information
| Name | Standing Eleven-Headed Kannon, Wood-Core Dry Lacquer (Omido Kannonji) (木心乾漆十一面観音立像（本堂安置）) |
|---|---|
| Location | Kannonji, 13 Fugenji Shimodaimon, Kyotanabe City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Designation | National Treasure (sculpture) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1953/3/31 (Showa 28); earlier designation 1909/4/5 |
| Quantity | 1 figure |
| Dimensions | 172.7 cm high (Kyotanabe City Tourism Association) |
| Owner | Kannonji |
| Public Access | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., admission 500 yen |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Eleven-Headed Kannon, Kannonji (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/230
- Kyotanabe City Tourism Association: Omido Kannonji (Japanese)
- https://kankou-kyotanabe.jp/tourism/ohmido_kannon_temple/
- Kyoto Prefecture Tourism Federation: Omido Kannonji (Japanese)
- https://www.kyoto-kankou.or.jp/info_search/5990
Last verified: 2026.09.30