A small, gentle Zodiac Guardian Buddha carved in hinoki cypress, created by the Japanese Buddha artist Hotokeya Sakai and shaped with a warm, childlike expression.
Rounded and simplified in form, this piece brings a quiet, approachable presence to everyday spaces—suited to a desk, bedside, or shelf where you want a steady sense of calm.
About this piece
This statue is hand-carved from hinoki (Japanese cypress) by a busshi (Buddhist sculptor), following Hotokeya Sakai’s distinctive model of soft features and approachable proportions. The child-form is a deliberate design choice within contemporary Japanese devotional sculpture, created to offer a gentle, familiar presence rather than a formal, imposing figure. Made in Japan, each work is produced as a crafted object with careful attention to smooth contours and a balanced, palm-sized silhouette.
Cultural note
In Japan, Buddhist images are commonly treated as objects of respect—whether in a temple setting or in the home—approached with a calm, sincere intention rather than as simple decoration. “Zodiac Guardian Buddha” (eto no honzon) refers to a traditional way of associating a protective Buddhist figure with one’s birth-year sign; at a high level, the image is understood as a compassionate presence that watches over one’s life path. Many people place such figures where they can be seen daily, keep the area tidy, and handle the statue with clean hands, avoiding casual placement on the floor or in cluttered spaces.
Details
- Size: 95(H) × 54(W) × 54(D) mm; Weight: 50 g
- Material: Hinoki (Japanese cypress)
- Origin: Made in Japan
Placement & care
- Place on a stable, clean surface such as a shelf, desk, or small stand.
- Avoid placing directly on the floor; a slightly elevated spot is customary and helps keep it clean.
- Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight, high heat, or humidity to protect the wood.
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth; avoid harsh cleaners or soaking.
Shipping timeline
- Made to order by a busshi; production typically takes about 3 months before it is ready to ship.
