Description
Two-year old Prince Shōtoku (573?–622?) places his palms together in a gesture called gasshō. Shōtoku played a major role in the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, and devotees of the prince commissioned painted and sculpted images commemorating important moments of his life. At age two, the prince faced east and chanted the name of the Buddha without having been taught the practice. This sculpture captures the fantastic event foreshadowing his future acts.
Provenance
Mr. James Campbell Weir [1908–1967]and Mrs. Margaret Leland Weir [1909–1992], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art (?–1989); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1989–)
Accession Number
1989.76
Medium
Wood with lacquer, color, and rock-crystal inlaid eyes
Dimensions
height: 68.6 cm (27 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James Campbell Weir in memory of Dr. and Mrs. William Hawksley Weir
