Wooden Seated Statue of Amida Buddha (by Inkaku)

The Principal Image of Hokongoin

The Wooden Seated Statue of Amida Buddha (by Inkaku) (木造阿弥陀如来坐像〈院覚作〉) is the principal image of Hokongoin in Hanazono Ogino-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, made by the sculptor Inkaku in the Heian period, and it was designated a National Treasure on September 30, 2020. It stands 224.0 centimetres high, according to the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

According to the Agency's report, the statue is the principal image of Hokongoin, founded with Taikenmon-in Tamako (1101 to 1145) as patron. The temple had three Amida halls, and which of them the statue first occupied was long debated, but the view that it belonged to the original hall of 1130, the West Hall, has now become accepted.

Why It Is a National Treasure

Its sculptor, Inkaku, led the In school, the direct line of the great sculptor Jocho and one of the three main workshops of the late Heian period. The Agency says the statue's inward-looking expression and delicate drapery lines typify the image of the Buddha sought by the imperial family and aristocrats of the day.

The Agency ranks it among the most important Buddhist statues of the cloistered-rule (insei) period and also notes its fine state of preservation. A large statue whose patron, date and sculptor are all known, it was raised to National Treasure in 2020.

What to Look For

Look first at the face. The calm expression the Agency calls inward-looking is characteristic of the In school, heirs to Jocho's style.

Then follow the folds of the robe. The drapery lines are shallow and finely cut, giving the whole figure a soft presence; though the statue is more than 2 metres tall, grace rather than mass is what comes through. Its good condition means these details can still be seen clearly.

Seeing the Statue

The statue is the principal image of Hokongoin. According to a Kyoto City Tourism Association guide, the temple opens only on the 15th of each month, with seasonal changes, and admission is ¥500; the nearest station is JR Hanazono. Opening days may change, so check with the temple (075-461-9428) before going. The temple's own website could not be reached on October 4, 2026.