One of the Eight Great Youths who serve Fudo Myo-o. The Eight Great Youths each embody one of the Four Wisdoms (Four Jnanas) and the Four Practices (Four Paramitas) of Buddhist teachings, taking on the role of protecting all sentient beings who believe in Buddhism and guiding them towards enlightenment.
Shojo Biku-Doji possesses a mysterious appearance described in the scriptures as "neither young nor old." His determined expression, with his lower lip being bitten, reflects his strong resolve to protect sentient beings. Among the Eight Great Youths, his pose is the most restrained, and his wrathful expression exudes a quiet but powerful presence.
The model for this sculpture is believed to be one of the statues from the National Treasure "Wooden Eight Great Youths Standing Statues," thought to have been created by Unkei. The lifelike quality in the eyes and the soft representation of the garments evoke the realism characteristic of the Kamakura period.
Every aspect of this charm has been faithfully reproduced, from the delicate wrinkles in the clothing to the intricate patterns, all meticulously crafted by the hands of skilled artisans.