The Great Buddha

Last updated: 08.05.2002

Photographs of the Dai-butsu (Great Buddha) at Kamakura, taken in 1999 and 2000.

"Everything about the image of this Buddha, from his rounded shoulders to the very folds of his robe, was on a grand scale. The face was in profile, and the chest partially visible as it protruded somewhat beyond the graceful lines of the sleeve that flowed smoothly down from the shoulder. The bright sunlight beat upon the glinting bronze of the rounded shoulder and struck brilliant lights from the broad bronze chest. It was already approaching sunset, and the rays caught the bronze snails coiled like hair on the Lord Buddha's head, and each stood out in relief. The long earlobe seemed to hang like dried fruit on a tropical tree." ["Spring Snow", Yukio Mishima, 1968]