Zocho-ten of Gokoku-ji Temple had a terrifying shape

Statue putting fierce look
Zocho-ten with a terrifying aspect
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At the entrance to Gokoku-ji stands the imposing Niomon Gate, which evokes a sense of history. This gate is said to have been built around 1700. On either side of the gate are statues of Zocho-ten and Hiromokuten, who serve as protectors of Buddhism. The statue of Zocho-ten, a powerful figure, is captured in the photo. He is posed in a terrifying and intimidating pose, protecting the temple grounds from evil.

However, it seems that this Zocho-ten is not all-powerful. Even though he has the power to protect Buddhism, he seems to have no way to protect himself from pigeons and other birds, so the statue was covered tightly with a wire net. Without the wire mesh, this imposing statue would have been a nesting place for birds.

Watching Zocho-ten's grim expression through the wire mesh, I suddenly felt as if I were looking at a ferocious animal through its cage at the zoo. Its strong presence seemed to be coming at me even through the wire mesh.

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日本語
Jul 2017 STILL LIFE TOKYO

PHOTO DATA

No

10199

Shooting Date

Dec 2016

Posted On

July 3, 2017

Modified On

November 24, 2024

Place

Otsuka, Tokyo

Genre

Still Life Photography

Camera

SONY ALPHA 7R II

Lens

SONNAR T* FE 55MM F1.8 ZA

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