Yoko Suzuki Making Jizo Statues

In this video we get to watch Yoko Suzuki as she produces a few of her lovely, small Jizo statues. These special figures are representative of an important Buddhist saint who is thought to help those who are seeking spiritual enlightenment. The hand-made appearance of these statues and natural, earth-tone glaze finish give these tiny Jizo a character much in keeping with the history and tradition of this important Buddhist figure. Please read below to learn more about Jizo.

If you take a stroll along nearly any road in Japan you are likely to periodically spot small stone statues set along the roadside, especially at highway intersections and at the boundaries of small towns and villages. These statues frequently represent the Buddhist divinity Jizo who is the patron god of travelers and pilgrims as well as expectant mothers, children, and even firemen. Jizo is a bodhisattva or one who has achieved enlightenment yet has remained behind to help others along the spiritual path. Jizo has a particular interest in children who may be trapped in hell, and the divinity is thought to often intervene on the their behalf and even hide little ones within the sleeves of his robe when roving demons are on the prowl. Jizo has long been a very popular figure in Japanese Buddhism where he is described as "a friend to all" and "never frightening, even to children". Though of Indian origin and originally female, Jizo did first appear in Japan during the Nara period (710-94) where her popularity quickly grew and she was soon regarded as the deity of the common people. For various reasons Jizo did eventually transform into a male figure in Japan. However, the divinity's feminine roots are still evident in the translation of his name which can mean either "womb of the earth" or "earth treasure". In fact, Jizo is still sometimes found in Japan in female form especially as the Koyasu (child-giving) Jizo. Roadside images of Jizo are often found alone or in groupings of six. The number six being representative of the six realms of reincarnation which encompass all beings trapped within the wheel of life. We can imagine then that to travelers of old Japan the sight of a roadside Jizo must have been a comforting reminder of the deity's promise to look after and protect any and all on the road to enlightenment.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Japan
• Japanese
• Buddhist
• Buddhism
• Jizo
• Bodhisattva
• Saint
• Ceramic
• Glaze
• Statue
• Yoko
• Suzuki
• Tokaido
• Softypapa

[Claycat4]

This is a wonderful video! I'm so glad I found this.

I called myself Claycat, because those are two things I like very much. I love cats, and I love to work with clay. Unfortunately, I don't have the equipment to make clay vessels, because that is what I would love to do the best. When I'm working with clay, I lose time.

I love Yoko's small statues!

[softypapa]

@Claycat4 I'm delighted that you could view this video and that you found it interesting. I love watching Yoko work and marvel at the wondeful things she creates. I have many of her items in my home and they are real treasures for my family. I hope that you have many chances to enjoy such crafts yourself as it seems you would find great pleasure in creating items in clay which reflect your mind and imagination. ~Kurt :-)

[nothinglikesurrender]

how do they not explode in the kiln? really good though, i want one! :3

[Qzumaki]

Great video, and a very enlightening description of Jizo's role in Japanese culture! Thank you!

[Peekingduck]

Hey I got a Jizo-sama I bought in Kamakura that holds incense and looks a lot like that.

Really qute !

[nekowilma]

Hi,muffles! Thank you for watching the video,this is yoko. I'll answer your question. It takes about 30min to mold jizo from clay. The 1st kiln ware takes 7-8h and 2nd takes 11h. (^ ^)v

[theoldtokaido]

This process does not take very long though there are large gaps in time between each step. Also, as Yoko tends to due multiple items at once its hard to determine how much time she actually spends on each item. -Kurt :-)

[muffles12]

how long took hours or days

[davevegas03]

Great vid keeping them coming