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2026/06/19 14:57
The National Treasure Bodhisattva in Contemplation (Hanka Shiyui-zō), Chuguji Temple, Nara, Japan. When people think of Buddhist sculpture, they often imagine a complete figure. Traditionally, Japanese Buddhist statues are intended to be viewed as whole forms. The head, hands, posture, flowing robes, and pedestal all work together to express Buddhist teachings and a spiritual worldview. Yet Japan has also long possessed a unique tradition of appreciating Buddha heads (buttō). The famous Buddha Head of Kōfuku-ji, preserved after centuries of history. A Buddha head is typically the surviving head of a statue whose body was lost through fire, war, natural disasters, or the passage of time. One of the most famous examples is the National Treasure Bronze Buddha Head of Kōfuku-ji Temple in Nara. Originally part of a monumental Yakushi Nyorai statue, the body was destroyed in a fire, while the head alone survived and was preserved through the centuries. Rather than viewing such works as damaged remnants, the Japanese have cherished them as symbols of faith that endured the hardships of history. Because the body is absent, our attention is naturally drawn to the face. The subtle shadows around the eyes. The slightest curve of the lips. An expression that cannot be fully explained by words. Buddha heads possess a mysterious power to awaken the imagination of those who behold them. The National Treasure Bodhisattva in Contemplation (Hanka Shiyui-zō), enshrined at Chuguji Temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, is widely regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of Japanese art from the Asuka period. Seated with the right leg crossed over the left and the fingertips gently touching the cheek, the figure appears lost in thought. It is said to represent a bodhisattva contemplating how best to save all living beings. What makes this sculpture truly unforgettable is its smile. Serene yet mysterious, gentle yet profound, its expression seems to transcend both joy and sorrow. For more than thirteen centuries, it has continued to captivate all who encounter it. This enigmatic smile is often described as an “Archaic Smile.” It has frequently been compared to those of the Great Sphinx and Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, placing it among the world's most celebrated expressions. The philosopher and art historian Tetsurō Watsuji praised the sculpture in his classic work Pilgrimages to Ancient Temples, describing its expression as possessing the dignity and compassion of a saintly woman. Even after more than 1,300 years, people continue to be moved by this extraordinary face. Perhaps the secret lies within that timeless smile. One of two known Chuguji-inspired Buddha heads carved by Tessō Mori. Tessō Mori (1946–2024), founder of Mori Carving Studio, held a deep admiration for the Chuguji Contemplative Bodhisattva throughout his life. He was particularly fascinated by its Archaic Smile—a rare expression combining compassion, serenity, and timeless humanity. Mori spent decades seeking to capture these qualities through woodcarving. The result was a pair of Buddha head sculptures inspired by the Chuguji masterpiece. Although the original is a complete seated figure, Mori deliberately chose to carve only the head. This was not an act of omission, but an expression of the beauty of subtraction. By removing the body, the viewer's attention is naturally drawn to the face: the gentle gaze, the subtle curve of the lips, and the quiet smile. It is precisely because these works take the form of Buddha heads that the most captivating aspect of the Chuguji image can be experienced so intimately. To appreciate a Buddha head is not merely to admire a sculpture. It is to engage with the prayers, history, and human spirit embodied within it. Just as the Chuguji Contemplative Bodhisattva has inspired people for more than thirteen centuries, the Buddha head sculptures created by Tessō Mori invite each viewer into a unique moment of reflection. Even today, that smile continues to speak to us quietly across time. The Buddha head featured in this article was hand-carved by Tessō Mori approximately ten years ago and is one of two known Chuguji-inspired Buddha heads created by the artist and remaining in the Mori family collection. View the Artwork →The Art of Appreciating Buddha Heads
The Chuguji Contemplative Bodhisattva and the “Eternal Smile”
The Chuguji Contemplative Bodhisattva: A Smile That Captivated the World
The Smile Pursued by Tessō Mori
Time Spent Contemplating a Smile
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