Statue of Chōgen

Statue of Chōgen
Japanese: 重源上人坐像 (Chōgenshōnin zazō)
ArtistAttributed to Unkei or Kaikei
Completion datec. 1201-1206
Catalogue00008
MediumWood with polychromy
MovementKei school
SubjectPortrait of the Abbot of Tōdai-ji, Chōgen (monk)
Dimensions81.8 cm (32.2 in)
DesignationNational Treasure (Japan)
LocationNara, Japan
OwnerTōdai-ji

The Statue of Chōgen is a 13th century Japanese Buddhist sculpture depicting Chōgen, the head priest of Tōdai-ji in his 80s. Attributed to the artists Unkei or Kaikei, the wood sculpture is part of the Kei school of Buddhist sculpture, which gained prominence during the early days of the Kamakura period in the aftermath of the Genpei War. Recognized for its realism and seen as a masterpiece of Japanese art, it is designated a National Treasure of Japan, and is currently housed in the Shunjō-dō of Tōdai-ji.