Buddhist Images

Buddhist Images, written by Aisaburo Akiyama and published in Tokyo in February 1922, is an early English-language introduction to the principal Buddhist images, sculptures, and devotional figures encountered in Japanese temples. Akiyama conceived the work as a practical guide for visitors who wished to understand not only temple architecture and scenery but also the religious and artistic significance of the Buddhist images preserved within them. The author states that the illustrations were selected from representative Buddhist sculptures and paintings then designated as “National Treasures,” thereby combining religious explanation with the study of Japanese fine art.

The volume begins with a historical survey of Buddhist image-making in Japan, tracing the traditional introduction of Buddhism and Buddhist images from Korea in the sixth century and discussing the subsequent development of sculpture through the Nara, Heian, Kamakura, and later periods. It refers to important artists and workshops such as Tori Busshi, Jōchō, Unkei, and Kaikei, as well as major temple traditions and monumental images. The main body introduces a wide range of Buddhist figures, including Śākyamuni (Shaka Nyorai), Mahāvairocana (Dainichi Nyorai), Amitābha (Amida Nyorai), Bhaiṣajyaguru (Yakushi Nyorai), Avalokiteśvara (Kannon/Kwanzeon), Maitreya (Miroku), Mañjuśrī, Samantabhadra, Kṣitigarbha (Jizō), various Myōō (Vidyārāja), and Buddhist guardian deities.

Although some historical dates, doctrinal interpretations, and terminology reflect the scholarship of the early twentieth century, the book remains valuable as a historical document of Japanese Buddhist art studies. It is especially useful for research on Buddhist iconography, Japanese temple culture, religious sculpture, devotional imagery, and the early modern presentation of Japanese Buddhism to English-speaking readers. The original edition identifies the work as Buddhist Images, by Aisaburo Akiyama, Tokyo, February 1922.