The Usuki Stone Buddhas (Usuki Magaibutsu) are a collection of stone
sculptures of Buddhas, in Usuki, Oita Prefecture, Japan.
The Usuki Stone Buddhas were estimated to be carved during the 12th century,
and consist of four groups of stone Buddhas. The reason why these stone
Buddhas were carved here is unclear.
Among Usuki Stone Buddhas, 59 statues are selected as National Treasures of
Japan. They are the first national treasures in Kyushu, and also the first
stone Buddhas selected as national treasures.
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Usuki Stone Buddhas.
The Usuki Stone Buddhas (Usuki Sekibutsu) are statues of various Buddhas sculpted into a cliff about five kilometers southwest of Usuki's city center. In Japan, Buddha statues are usually made of wood or metal. Stone statues are rarer, and Usuki's are the only stone Buddhas in Japan to be designated as national treasures.
- The Stone Buddhas are divided into four clusters, which are just a short walk away from each other. It takes about 30 minutes to complete an easy paved trail that passes by all of them.
- The beautiful statues are estimated to have been created around the late Heian Period (794-1185). They are carved from highly workable, soft, volcanic rock from nearby Mount Aso. However, the relatively soft material, in combination with high moisture levels in the area, make these masterpieces susceptible to erosion.
- Great efforts are made to preserve them, including shelters that have been built to shield them from the elements of nature.
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See also
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