Enku and Mokujiki

Wooden statues carved by the Buddhist priest Enku (1632-1695) and the Zen priest Mokujiki (1718-1810) are exhibited at the gallery "Eki" on the 7th floor of Isetan Department Store (until November 29).

Unlike traditional sculptors, they sculptured freely, roughly, and unexpectedly by using one piece of scrap wood. Their statues, carved with a single hatchet, may appear unrefined, but the faces of Buddha express affluent emotions. It is very understandable that their statues were children's toys also.

In the meantime, Mokujiki began carving at his age of 62.