Images of Hachiman

Inside Yasumigoka Hachimangu Shrine's main hall are three small but arresting wooden statues from the early Heian period. At the center sits Hachiman, the guardian deity of warriors, in a monk's robe. Flanking him are Empress Jingu and Princess Nakatsu. Carved from single blocks of wood, these are among the oldest surviving Buddhist-style images made in wood, most earlier examples having been cast in bronze. Each figure is expressively sculpted and deliberately contrasted with the others. All three are designated National Treasures, and the shrine halls and wooden deity paintings are Important Cultural Properties.