【Sanzon Senbutsu】(Reproduction supervised by discoverer Yoshinori Aboshi, based on the actual unearthed items from the Kawaradera Back Mountain Ruins)

The Beauty of Hakuho: Cultural Property (Asuka Period, 7th Century) [Sonzensenbutsu]
This item is a framed reproduction supervised by Professor Yoshinori Aboshi of Kansai University (at the time), the discoverer of the original artifact excavated from the Kawaradera Temple裏山 (Urayama) ruins in Asuka, Nara Prefecture.

Although a reproduction, this item is extremely rare as it bears the personal signature of Professor Yoshinori Aboshi, the discoverer of the ruins, on the back of the frame (see image 2).

Incidentally, Professor Yoshinori Aboshi (at the time) is the person who discovered the vividly colored murals, described as the post-war era's greatest archaeological find, at the Takamatsuzuka Tomb in the same village in 1972.

★Acquisition Status of this Item
At the time of excavation, my father had a close relationship with Professor Aboshi through a historical lecture at a Kansai University supporter's association, and this item was personally given to him as a commemorative gift from the excavation event.

★Explanation of [Sonzensenbutsu]
① The Beauty of Hakuho refers to the formative beauty of the Hakuho culture, which flourished from the late 7th to the early 8th century (from the Taika Reforms to the relocation of the capital to Heijo-kyo). It is characterized by the fusion of continental internationalism (influence of Chinese Tang Buddhist art) and Japan's unique and rich expressions.

② Senbutsu (塼仏) are Buddhist statues fired from clay tablets. Senbutsu were used to decorate the walls of temple halls, much like tiles.
The statues depict a Tathagata seated on a pedestal, flanked by two bodhisattvas with clasped hands. A pair of celestial dancers are depicted on either side of the canopy, gracefully bending their bodies as they dance.

③ The original excavated artifact was exhibited and received acclaim on November 23, 2013, at the Suntory Museum of Art, with the cooperation of the Asuka Village Board of Education.

④ As a reference article:
(Quoted from the Asahi Shimbun online article: Reviving the 'Phantom Temple': Vivid Colors of Buddhist Statues - Looking Back at Research Achievements 50 Years After Excavation)
The ruins are located approximately 150 meters northwest of the Kawaradera Temple site, which is believed to have been established by Emperor Tenji during the Asuka period. Fragments of tiles and senbutsu were unearthed by residents during agricultural work, and from March 1974, for about two months, Professor Yoshinori Aboshi of Kansai University (at the time), who was also a staff member of the Nara Prefectural Kashihara Archaeological Institute (Kanko Ken), led students in the excavation. Kazuo Migishima, the special director of the Gunma Prefectural Museum of History and a student leader at the time, recalled, The excavation was carried out quietly. Two years prior, Professor Aboshi had discovered the vividly colored murals at the Takamatsuzuka Tomb, which were hailed as the post-war era's greatest archaeological find. Visitors flocked to the tomb, hindering the investigation. If it became known that Professor Aboshi was excavating in Asuka again, it could have caused a huge commotion, he said.

★Please be sure to read the profile before purchasing★