A faithful reproduction of a National Treasure / Important Cultural Property
Among the Buddhist sculptures that flourished during the Tenpyō period, the Ashura statue is renowned for its exceptional beauty. Because Ashura rules over the strife-filled realm known as the “Ashura Path,” the deity is typically depicted with an angry expression. Yet the model for this figure, said to have been commissioned by Empress Kōmyō, bears a look of quiet sorrow and an almost boyish innocence. Each of the three faces expresses a different emotion, and some say they represent stages of growth — from left, right, then center.
A sculptural beauty carried into the present
For more than half a century, MORITA has specialized in fine art and crafts centered on Buddhist statuary. With unique technical expertise and expressive skill, they have succeeded in faithfully capturing the beauty of National Treasure–class Buddhist statues — along with the profound presence shaped over centuries.
Great care is devoted to the creation of each master model, entrusted to highly skilled Buddhist sculptors and modelers. Though these are figures, the Isumu Series aspires to a quality that adults can appreciate as true works of Buddhist art. By integrating advanced production technologies, MORITA has made it possible to offer exquisite Buddhist statues at accessible prices — artworks that would otherwise cost several million yen if made entirely by hand.
Born from the desire to bring the world of Buddhist sculpture closer and more attainable, the Isumu Series represents a new expression of ancient beauty.
Craftsmanship devoted to Buddhist statuary
To perfectly recreate the proportions — the thickness of the arms, overall balance, subtle nuances of expression — human craftsmanship is essential. Over roughly ten years, MORITA visited manufacturing sites around the world, ultimately establishing their own workshop by bringing together about twenty top artisans from a distinguished figure-making company. Each Isumu piece is produced painstakingly by these craftsmen: assembling individual parts, filling joints with putty, and polishing surfaces to achieve a smooth, refined texture — all without compromise.
The material used is polystone (stone powder mixed with resin), known for its exceptional fidelity — capable of capturing details as fine as human fingerprints. The delicate aging effects and coloration are applied entirely by hand using a variety of pigments, gold leaf, and other materials, with artisans painting while referencing photographs of the actual surviving statues.
Among all techniques, painting the “eyes” — the element that determines the statue’s spiritual presence — requires extraordinary skill. Only one artisan within MORITA is qualified to paint them. The subtle emotional expression within the eyes draws viewers into the world of the sculpture.
○Specifications
- S (tanakokoro) approx. 180 (H) × 110 (W) × 61 (D) mm / 220g (7.1 × 4.3 × 2.4 in / 0.49 lb)
- M (standard) approx. 325 (H) × 195 (W) × 105 (D) mm / 1.2kg (12.8 ×7.7 × 4.1 in / 2.6 lb)
- L (S-CLASS) approx. 505 (H) × 320 (W) × 175 (D) mm / 4.6kg (19.9 × 12.6 × 6.9 in / 10.1 lb)
- Material: polystone (stone powder mixed with resin)
○Shipping
- Shipping fee is included in the product price.
- Shipping within 15day (If the item is currently out of stock, it will be made to order and may require additional time. We will contact you promptly after your order is placed to provide further details).
○How to use
- This figurine are highly delicate. Strong impact may damage fine details. Please remove dust using a soft brush or similar gentle tool.
- Avoid using cloths or cleaning wipes, as fibers may snag and cause damage.
- Some areas are painted with water-soluble pigments, so please refrain from wiping with water.
- Do not place the statue in direct sunlight or in front of heating vents. High temperatures may cause deformation.
○Please note
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Product photos are taken from randomly selected items from our actual inventory.
- Each item is finished by hand, ensuring a high level of uniformity, but no two items are exactly the same.
- Actual dimensions may differ slightly from those displayed.
- Colors may appear different on the website compared to the actual product.
