Byakkoshin is a deity of Indian origin associated with snow and mountains, particularly the Himalayas. This statue of Byakkoshin is painted almost entirely white to evoke images of purity and snow-capped peaks. Byakkoshin was enshrined as one of the main guardian deities of Kosanji Temple.
This statue was created in the Kamakura period (1185–1333) and is attributed to the renowned Japanese sculptor Tankei (1173–1256).
Kamakura period
The roughly 150-year period from the founding of the Kamakura shogunate by Minamoto no Yoritomo to the fall of the shogunate, marked by Hojo Takatoki’s suicide in 1333.
Tankei
A sculptor (1173-1256) of the Kei school in the Kamakura Era specializing in Buddhist works. The eldest son of famed sculptor Unkei, he is known to have interacted with Myoe Shonin. His representative works include the Seated Senju Kannon (National Treasure), the central image of the Rengeoin (Sanjusangendo).
