Fudō Myōō — Takeda Fudō-son is a compact carving from the Gokusho Butsu Series, based on the well-known image associated with the warlord Takeda Shingen and his memorial temple tradition.
Despite its small scale, the piece is designed to preserve the defining facial presence and balanced proportions of the original reference, with carefully applied gilded accents that bring clarity to the form.
About this piece
This statue is a finely detailed miniature wood carving made in boxwood (tsuge), with copper elements, created as part of the Gokusho Butsu Series. The model follows the famed “Takeda Fudō-son,” also called “Shingen Shō Fudō,” a form said to have been created during Takeda Shingen’s lifetime and modeled on his own face and body; legend holds that a Kyoto sculptor invited by Shingen began carving a life-sized portrait that ultimately took the form of Fudō Myōō. For this series, the maker applied long-established Buddhist statue-making techniques to the challenge of sub-10cm carving, focusing on the most important aspects of expression and overall balance. The gold-leaf finishing was carried out by the Isumu workshop under the supervision of Buddhist statue colorist Chihiro Takamura.
Cultural note
In Japan, images of Fudō Myōō (Acala) are widely recognized within Esoteric Buddhist traditions and are approached as focused devotional icons rather than decorative objects. At a high level, Fudō is understood as a steadfast protector figure who embodies immovability and disciplined resolve, and related local forms—such as the Takeda Fudō-son—are often connected to specific temples and historical lineages of veneration. When keeping such an image, many people choose a clean, settled place, orient it with care, and treat it with quiet respect (for example, avoiding casual handling, placing it above clutter, and refraining from positioning it in overtly impure or noisy areas). The emphasis is on intention and attentiveness: approaching the figure calmly, keeping the space tidy, and handling it as one would a sacred object.
Details
- Size: 106(H) × 58(W) × 45(D) mm; Weight: 77 g
- Material: Tsuge (boxwood) / copper
- Origin: Made in China
Placement & care
- Place on a stable, level surface where it won’t be easily bumped or knocked over.
- Choose a clean, calm spot away from clutter, food preparation areas, and direct contact with the floor.
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, high humidity, and rapid temperature changes to help preserve the wood and finish.
- Dust gently with a soft, dry brush or cloth; avoid water, solvents, or abrasive cleaners on gilded areas.
Shipping timeline
- Ships within 2–3 business days.
