Thoughts of Shingen Takeda-Approaching the secret of the Buddha statue made 450 years ago-April 6, 19:30
There is a Buddhist statue in Yamanashi prefecture, which is said to have been modeled after Sengoku daimyo Takeda Shingen.
A detailed investigation of this Buddha statue by universities in Tokyo revealed new facts that had not been known until now.
What was Shingen Takeda's thoughts on this Buddha statue?
(Kofu Broadcasting Station reporter Kasei Shimizu)
Fudo Myoo sitting model is Shingen himself
Shingen Takeda, a warlord who was afraid of Nobunaga Oda and Ieyasu Tokugawa.
The protagonist of this time is the "Fudo Myoo sitting statue", a Buddha statue that is said to have been modeled by Shingen himself.
It was built in 1572, a year before Shingen died, by a Kyoto workshop with top-notch technology.
After that, it has been carefully protected at Shingen's family temple "Erinji" in Yamanashi Prefecture for 450 years.
Experts approach the secret of the Buddha statue
Why did Shingen make this Buddha statue?
In order to approach the mystery, full-scale restoration and investigation began about a year ago.
The temple asked me to investigate, Yasushi Okada, an associate professor at Tokyo University of the Arts.
Associate Professor Yasushi Okada, Conservation and Restoration Sculpture Laboratory, Tokyo University of the Arts
"The color of the surface was rising and the peeling was steadily progressing. I want to clarify. "
Investigation reveals the secret of "Fang"
In order to investigate valuable cultural properties without damaging them, we conducted an analysis using the latest technology.
Data from multiple photographs are combined with a 3D reproduction of a Buddha image measured with light.
We have made it possible to observe the appearance of the Buddha statue from all angles.
In addition, X-rays were taken to investigate the internal structure that cannot be seen directly.
Then I found that the fangs had something like "roots" like human teeth.
Associate Professor Yasushi Okada, Conservation and Restoration Sculpture Laboratory, Tokyo University of the Arts
"There was a" tooth root "under the part that can be seen from the surface. That is not usually the case."
A darkened Buddha image Approaching the original "color"
During the investigation, Associate Professor Okada paid particular attention to the fragments of pigment that had peeled off from the Buddha statue due to deterioration.
Associate Professor Yasushi Okada, Conservation and Restoration Sculpture Laboratory, Tokyo University of the Arts
"It is important to observe the exfoliated debris because you can see the state of pure pigment with no stains on the surface if you look at the state of the faults of the debris."
The debris was investigated by experts from the Teikyo University Institute of Cultural Properties and the Yamanashi Prefectural Museum in Yamanashi Prefecture.
The size of the debris is as small as 1 mm.
When I magnified the cross section with a microscope, I found that the Buddha image that had turned black due to deterioration was actually a bright blue color called "Gunjo".
Yamanashi Prefectural Museum Nishigan Mai Curator
"Not only is it painted in one color, but it is also painted in two layers with the same blue, so you can see that it is made very carefully. Also, this blue pigment has few impurities. It turned out that I might have obtained a very expensive pigment at that time and made it. "
Furthermore, a closer examination of the components of the debris with an electron microscope revealed that it contained something unusual.
Multiple "silver" grains were found.
It is believed that the purpose was to give the pigment a brilliance and to increase its religious value by using a very rare technique of mixing a large amount of silver with the pigment.
Associate Professor Akira Fujisawa, Institute of Cultural Properties, Teikyo University
"I think it is a new discovery because there are no cases in previous research."
Shingen's special feelings in the Buddha statue
An unprecedented Buddha statue that has been revealed by research.
Associate Professor Okada said, "Hide your own death for three years," and Shingen, who was thinking about the future of the Takeda family, made a strong desire to "become a Buddha and continue to protect the Takeda family even after his death." I think I put it in.
Associate Professor Yasushi Okada, Conservation and Restoration Sculpture Laboratory, Tokyo University of the Arts
"I think there is no doubt that it is a Buddhist image that represents the times when it was made with the highest quality. It can be seen from the materials and materials. It is historically very important in a sense that goes beyond the expression of an ordinary Buddha statue. "
To reproduce the appearance at that time "to more people with value"
Associate Professor Okada is now preparing to restore the original appearance in 3D so that more people will know the value of this Buddha statue.
Associate Professor Yasushi Okada, Conservation and Restoration Sculpture Laboratory, Tokyo University of the Arts
"I think the information we are looking at is very interesting academically, but it is difficult for the general public to understand. The original Buddha image is preserved as it is. I think that it will be possible to know the splendor of the Buddha statue wider and deeper by having something restored together. "
What did the Buddha statue that Shingen made about 450 years ago really look like?
It is hoped that the restoration will be completed.
Kofu Broadcasting Station Reporter
Kasei Shimizu Joined the prefectural police
in 2020
After working for the prefectural police, now in charge of prefectural and Kofu municipal administration
The first taiga drama I saw was "Furinkazan"