Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333) / early 1300s
Prince Shōtoku at Age Two (Shōtoku Taishi)
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Prince Shōtoku at Age Two (Shōtoku Taishi) as sculpture (Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333) · early 1300s).
Shōtoku Taishi had several titles. One translates to "the prince of the stable door" because he was said to have been born in the imperial stables.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this sculpture as Wood with lacquer, color, and rock-crystal inlaid eyes.
The museum's collection notes: Two-year old Prince Shōtoku (573?–622?) places his palms together in a gesture called gasshō . Shōtoku played a major role in the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, and devotees of the prince commissioned painted and sculpted images commemorating important moments of his life. At age two, the prince faced east and chanted the name of the Buddha without having been taught the practice. This sculpture captures the fantastic event foreshadowing his future acts.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtPrince Shōtoku at Age Two (Shōtoku Taishi)Original explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.