Asura statue (Nishijin textile)

This statue of Ashura, a national treasure in the collection of Kofukuji Temple, has three faces, each representing childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, with slightly different expressions, which are woven together in a truly realistic manner. It is said that Empress Komyo had this statue made in the Nara period (710-794) as a mourning gift for her mother.

The halo is made of two-dimensional gold leaf and thicker gold threads to create a three-dimensional effect, the brilliance of which is unique to this work and cannot be seen on actual Buddhist statues. The work is a testament to the high level of artistry of Nishijin brocade weaving.