A Guide to Japanese Buddhist Sculpture (Incl. English Translation)

Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) around the 5th century BC. As the faith spread, Buddhist statue were created, and this book offers a look at 30 of those statues, including Japan's oldest, "Shaka Sanzon-zo," created in 623 AD. The statues are featured by location, such as Nara and Kyoto, and helpful maps are provided to show where each Buddhist statue is enshrined. This book also explores the history of the statues, how they were made, and what makes each statue special, such as their clothing and hand gestures.