Manpuku-ji temple's Artist-in-Residence

I had participated in Ōbaku-san Manpuku-ji temple's Artist-in-Residence program(the instagram account of which is kofukuro_manpukuji) for 3 months from January to March 2022 in Uji, Kyoto, Japan. This unique and rare residency is based in the temple so I was excited for it ! I was selected for this residency as as an illustrator, after an interview and showing my portfolio to the people who manage this residency. I was given opportunities such as using an art studio, exhibiting my works at the art gallery "Kofukuro" in the temple, selling my illustrations and goshuins (which are collectible seal stamps which prove that you visited a certain temple or shrine in Japan) that I designed. I also could stay in a small temple every day near the Manpuku-ji temple for free.

I tried to bring out the charm of the temple through my illustration having the concept of Manpuku-ji Temple.

I created 6 works in this residence.

Before I start to describe my art works, let me explain about Art-in-Residence and Obaku-san Manpukuji temple.

・What is "Artist-in-Residence"?

Artist-in-residence programs and other residency opportunities exist to invite artists, academicians, curators, and all manner of creative people for a time and space away from their usual environment and obligations. They provide a time of reflection, research, presentation and/or production. They also allow an individual to explore his/her practice within another community; meeting new people, using new materials, experiencing life in a new location (Referenced from definitions.net)

・What is "Ōbaku-san Manpuku-ji temple"?

Ōbaku means one of the 3 Japanese Zen sects. Ōbaku-san Manpuku-ji temple is a big Buddhist temple located in Uji, Kyoto, Japan. It is the head temple of Ōbaku Zen, named after Wanfu Temple in Fujian, China. Manpuku-ji was built with Sumatran teak and is a very rare Japanese temple since it remains as good as it was at the time of its construction, and most of the buildings are designated as Important Cultural Properties.

Kaipan-開梛-

At first, I illustrated "Kaipan" as shown in the picture below. It is shaped like a fish. The sphere-shaped object held in its mouth represents bon-no (all sorts of bad mental states that cloud one's mind). Monks daily hit the back of kaipan, which means letting bon-no get away from the stomach.

My illustration "Kaipan"'s works in progress.

Illustration "Kaipan"'s references in Manpuku-ji temple.

Idaten-韋駄天-

Secondly, I illustrated "Idaten" as below. It is a Japanese god who protects Buddhist monastic sects, and he is particularly important to followers of the Zen tradition. He is known for his great speed. He wears a Chinese helmet and carries a sword.

My illustration "Idaten"'s works in progress.

Illustration "Idaten"'s references in Manpuku-ji temple.

Kakobosatsu-華光菩薩-

Thirdly, I illustrated "Kako bosatsu" as below.

Bosatsu means bodhisattva (one who vows to save all beings before becoming a Buddha). This statue is lesser-known but very attractive in the temple. There are a few aficionados of Kako bosatsu. Some of them came to see my exhibition and said to me that I'm so appreciated that you focus on this statue and illustrated it. I was happy to hear that.

My illustration "Kakobosatsu"'s works in progress.

Illustration "Kako Bosatsu"'s references in Manpuku-ji temple.

Ragorasonja-羅怙羅尊者-

Fourthly, I illustrated "Ragorasonja" who named Rāhula in English. He was the child of Shaka (the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama) and also one of his disciples. This statue well shows the style of Zen introduced by Ingen Zenji. Every one of us has the potential of becoming a Buddha and can get closer to a Buddha by finding the true identity of oneself.

He is famous for the unique pose, pulling open his chest to reveal Buddha's head inside. That means that he tried to describe how beautiful his inside is but his outside.

My illustration "Ragorasonja"'s works in progress.

Illustration "Ragorasonja"'s references in Manpuku-ji temple.

Daiohoden -大雄宝殿-

Fifthly, I illustrated "Daiohoden". Daiohoden named as the main hole of the temple. Manpuku-ji temple was build to look like a dragon, as can be seen by the fact that the celling looks like a dragon's stomach and rhombus stones like dragon's scales.

So I illustrated Daiohoden with dragon. I also selected peaches, monks, a woman dancing traditional Chinese dance as motifs of the illustration because I wanted to make it gorgeous and make people viewing it have fun. Peaches are said to have powers to get rid of evil in teaching of Ōbaku Zen sect.

My illustration "Daiohoden"'s works in progress.

Illustration "Daiofoden"'s references in Manpuku-ji temple.

Gosyuin-御朱印-

Finally, I designed Gosyuin(which means collectible seal stamps which prove that you visited a certain temple or shrine in Japan).

I prefer using gold texture, so I used gold leafs on each of my gosyuins.

You can check my Youtube Video about my works and a day of the residence.

The articles I was interviewed by newspersons regarding my illustrations from the residence were published:-) My works on Kofukuro gallery in the Temple are images of the Temple itself and on display until 31st May 2022.