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.
Jul 2017 STILL LIFE TOKYO | |
GATE OTSUKA STATUE TEMPLE |
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