2 Ryuzu Kannon

This masterpiece depicts Kannon emerging from the clouds and utilizes a stunning depiction of perspective. Kannon stands above a dragon’s head, and at her feet can be seen thick, fog-like clouds formed by lava from Mt. Asama. The image is surrounded by thunderclouds and rain clouds in white, red, and blue-green stones. The dragon’s tail swells deep between the clouds in the depths, and Takahashi Rakuzan’s dynamic style makes it look as if the dragon is alive.

This is precisely the artistic merit that is so unique to Doukutsu Kannon statues. Simply appraising and differentiating the artistic and sculptural qualities of Rakuzan Takahashi’s work on Kannon statues amid the vast number of Buddhist works over thousands of years would be next to impossible. However, Kannon seen in Buddhist paintings is almost always depicted alongside a background, such as above clouds, rocks, mountains, or near waterfalls. Therefore, Doukutsu Kannon statues are the only place where the world of faith depicted in these Buddhist paintings is actually embodied in the natural landscape, artfully shaped by Takahashi Rakuzan and Tokuzo Yamada.