The Founding Image of Kobo Daishi at Toji
The Wooden Seated Statue of Kobo Daishi (by Kosho, in the Mieido) (木造弘法大師坐像〈康勝作／（御影堂安置）〉) is the seated image of Kukai, Kobo Daishi, enshrined as the principal image of the Mieido at Kyoogokokuji (Toji) in Kujo-cho, Minami Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture; it was made by the sculptor Kosho in 1233 and designated a National Treasure on June 27, 2000. It had first been protected under earlier law in 1900.
According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Kukai sits on a chair (a later replacement), holding a rosary of crystal beads (also later) in his upturned left hand on his knee and a five-pronged vajra before his chest in his right, in the so-called Shinnyo Shinno style. The statue is of joined cypress blocks with inlaid crystal eyes, and X-rays show scrolls set vertically inside, at the centre of the face and the abdomen.
Why It Is a National Treasure
The Agency explains that in 1233, with the 400th anniversary of Kukai's death approaching, the priest Shingon planned a new image of the founder. The temple chronicle Toboki records that it was installed on the 15th day of the tenth month that year and names the sculptor as Kosho; a contemporary document in the Toji Hyakugo Monjo also names him, so the attribution is regarded as secure. Kosho was the fourth son of Unkei and had worked with his brothers on the guardian kings of Toji's South Gate.
The Agency notes that while following the Shinnyo Shinno type closely, Kosho turned the face to the front to give the image the dignity of a principal image, and modelled the face and drapery broadly to give it a sense of reality. Foregrounding the presence of a historical person, it became the source for the many images of Kukai made in later centuries, and it is prized both as portrait sculpture and as a masterpiece of the generation after Unkei.
What to Look For
Start with the pose and the objects. The vajra held before the chest and the rosary in the upturned left hand became the model for countless later images of Kobo Daishi.
The face looks straight ahead, with inlaid crystal eyes. The broad modelling of the face and robe folds, which the Agency describes as boldly handled, gives the realism typical of Unkei's sons' generation. The surface was originally painted over a ground layer, but today the black lacquer base shows through, according to the Agency.
Visiting the Mieido
The Mieido, where the statue is enshrined, stands in a walled enclosure in the northwest of Toji's precinct and is said to have been Kukai's residence. According to Toji, anyone may worship at the Mieido from the 6:00 a.m. morning offering service until the gates close, free of charge.
The Toji website gives no detailed information on when the statue itself can be seen at close range, so check with the temple. Precinct hours, admission to the paid halls and access are on the Kyoogokokuji (Toji) page.
Q&A
- When was the Kosho statue of Kobo Daishi made?
- The sculptor Kosho made it in 1233, and it was installed on the 15th day of the tenth month of that year.
- When was it designated a National Treasure?
- On June 27, 2000.
- Who was Kosho?
- The fourth son of Unkei, who worked with his brothers on the guardian kings of Toji's South Gate.
- Why is this statue of Kobo Daishi so important?
- It became the source for the many later images of Kukai and is considered a masterpiece of the generation of sculptors after Unkei.
- Can I visit the Mieido?
- According to Toji, anyone may worship there free from the 6:00 a.m. morning service until the gates close.
Basic Information
| Name | Wooden Seated Statue of Kobo Daishi (by Kosho, in the Mieido) (木造弘法大師坐像〈康勝作／（御影堂安置）〉) |
|---|---|
| Location | 1 Kujo-cho, Minami Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (Mieido, Kyoogokokuji) |
| Designation | National Treasure (Fine Arts and Crafts: Sculpture) |
| Year Designated | National Treasure 2000/6/27 (Heisei 12); earlier designation 1900/2/8 (Meiji 33) |
| Quantity | 1 statue |
| Dimensions | Not recorded |
| Owner | Kyoogokokuji |
| Public Access | Mieido open for worship from 6:00 a.m. until the gates close (free) |
References
- 木造弘法大師坐像〈康勝作／（御影堂安置）〉 (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/4741
- Miedo (Daishido) (Toji official site)
- https://toji.or.jp/guide/miedo/
- Admission (Toji official site)
- https://toji.or.jp/admission/
Last verified: 2026.10.04