34 Nyoirin Kannon

Founder Tokuzo Yamada began full-scale construction of the Doukutsu Kannon facility around 1918, and the project continued for 50 years until his death. Rakuzan Takahashi, a master craftsman also from Tokuzo Yamada’s home state of Niigata Prefecture, was invited to view the cave after it had been excavated to some extent. He then went on to devote more than 30 years of his life to the creation of the Doukutsu Kannon. This figure, placed near the entrance of the cave, was created in Rakuzan Takahashi’s youth. Upon closer inspection, you will note how the carving work, the overall balance, the expression on Kannon’s face, and slight misalignments make it clearly inferior in some ways his later works. However, the dynamism of the work, which is overflowing with the energy of the young Rakuzan Takahashi, his motivation as a professional stone carver, and his unusual level of patience and focus, make this Kannon stand toe-to-toe with his other masterpieces. This piece clearly shows Tokuzo Yamada’s faith in the young Rakuzan Takahashi’s talent, and his desire to devote everything to it. Moreover, it shows Takahashi’s determination to devote his life to Yamada’s projects and meet his expectations for the Doukutsu Kannon undertaking.

The name Nyoirin Kannon suggests that this Kannon grants wishes and has all-powerful blessings. In this work, Kannon sits with one knee bent, a unique pose seen in Kannon figures. This typical Kannon form has six arms, two of which hold a wish-fulfilling jewel and a Dharmachakra.

The nameplate behind the statue reads “Saigoku Ichiban,” which refers to Seiganto-ji Temple, a World Heritage site in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. At the time, Tokuzo Yamada wanted to make it possible for locals who could not travel to distant pilgrimage sites or remote locations to experience the same blessings by praying at the Doukutsu Kannon.