We have been proposing and coordinating scientific investigations of Buddhist sculptures for Makidera-Chokokuji temple since early summer .
Finally, we fixed the implementation date for next month.
We also heard that this is the first attempt to conduct such a investigation in Kochi Prefecture, so we hastened to inform the local curator of sculpture history as well as the local media who have been following the restoration project.
“That’s new to me !” Some were surprised. I said, “Yes, Buddhist sculptures can tell us many things!”
I felt the significance of the information we are sending out.
On the other hand, we are sorry to say that we are not able to immediately accept requests for investigations and restorations because we have only one Buddhist sculptor in charge of production and restorations (the production department is able to accept requests).
However, we are very grateful for any kind of consultation regarding Buddhist sculptures, and we are discussing how we can provide you with information that will be of some help to you in the future.
There are many old Buddhist sculptures in Shikoku that are connected to the land. Some of them have deteriorated over the past few years. Although this report is only a part of the temple’s restoration project, we hope that the news coverage will help to increase the momentum for preservation of the statues.
We will keep you posted on the progress of the project.