The Japanese LionStrength, Protection, and a Family Legacy of WoodcarvingOriginal Lion Relief by Tessō Mori (Japanese Camphor Wood) For centuries, the lion has been one of the most enduring sy...

From the Yakushi-ji Suien to Contemporary LivingTessō Mori's Original InterpretationTessō Mori's original interpretation of the Yakushi-ji Suien. The Suien of Yakushi-ji Temple in Nara is one ...

The Frozen Music of Yakushi-jiWhy the Suien Has Inspired Artists for 1,300 YearsThe East Pagoda of Yakushi-ji Temple, Nara — the Suien crowns the pagoda high above the ground. Many visitors to...

The Gentle Face of Ancient KoreaThe Korean Stone Buddha That Inspired Tessō Mori Throughout His LifeFor many people outside Japan, the phrase Japanese Buddhist sculpture brings wooden statues to mi...

Baekje KannonThe Ancient Buddhist Sculpture That Fascinated Tessō MoriAmong the many Buddhist sculptures of Japan, few are as mysterious as Baekje Kannon.Preserved at Hōryū-ji Temple in Nara, this ...

Maitreya BodhisattvaThe Quiet Smile and the Japanese Sense of BeautyThe famous Maitreya Bodhisattva of Kōryū-ji Temple, Kyoto — one of Japan's most beloved Buddhist sculptures.Many visitors to Japa...

Why Does Every Buddha Look Different?The Human Face of Enlightenment Across Asia•Buddha Head by Tessō Mori (c. 2015), hand-carved in Japanese camphor ood. Who Was Shakyamuni Buddha?Shakyamuni ...

Daruma DaishiThe Man Behind Japan’s Famous Daruma DollsWhen Japanese people hear the word “Daruma,” many immediately imagine the familiar round red Daruma doll.Daruma dolls can be found throughout ...

The Peony in Japanese CultureWhy the “King of Flowers” Appears So Often in Japanese WoodcarvingPeonies in a Fan of LightHand-carved wood relief by Tessō Mori Among the many flowers celebrated ...

The Art of Appreciating Buddha HeadsThe Chuguji Contemplative Bodhisattva and the “Eternal Smile”The National Treasure Bodhisattva in Contemplation (Hanka Shiyui-zō), Chuguji Temple, Nara, Japan.Wh...

Camellia in Japanese CultureElegance, Resilience, and the Beauty of SimplicityWhen people think of flowers that symbolize Japan, cherry blossoms are often the first to come to mind.Yet another flow...

Terms of Sale, Safety Notice & DisclaimerImportant Information Before PurchasingThank you for your interest in the artworks of MORI CHOKOKUSHO.Each artwork is individually hand-carved in Japan ...

Kannon BodhisattvaCompassion, Beauty, and Spiritual TraditionMany people around the world are familiar with Buddhism.They may know the Buddha.They may know Zen.They may know the Samurai tradition t...

THE LEFT-HANDED REBELPart II — Artist, War, and LegacyOriginal dragon design sketch drawn by Hideo Mori.Preserved in the Mori family archive.An Artist Living Inside a CraftsmanAlthough Hideo Mori e...

THE LEFT-HANDED REBELPart I — A Boy, an Apprenticeship, and a Defiant Journey to KyotoYoung Hideo Mori during his apprenticeship under master woodcarver Yoshio Kawaguchi.① Hideo Mori (1897–1964)② Y...