Buddha Craftsman, Dori

[Dori]
I am Dori, the best craftsman of Buddha statues in Baekje, and this is my house. You should feel honored to visit my home. I am a busy man and cannot spare much time for you, but I will tell you some interesting facts about the sculpture techniques I used.

The techniques used in Baekje were far superior to those used in the neighboring kingdoms. Baekje sculptures are harmoniously balanced, have a delicate shape, and radiate a soft, elegant beauty. Later on, our excellent craftsmanship greatly influenced the neighboring kingdom of Silla, as well as Japan.

I was sent to Japan where I played an important role in assisting the development of Japanese Buddhist art. Many of my artworks can still be seen in Japan today.

Japanese people named the style of my work after me, so these artworks are referred to as being crafted in the ‘Dori style’. They worship me as the founder of Japanese sculpture.

Although I make statues of Buddha, I am also familiar with architectural engineering. There is one particular occasion I can recall when my exceptional architectural skill was demonstrated.

During the 7th century, Japanese people tried to place a large, gilt-bronze Buddha in their first Buddhist temple, known as the Asuka. As the statue was so tall, it seemed an impossible feat to erect it inside the temple without first smashing the entrance. The people from the temple came to visit me and requested my help. Of course, I knew how to solve the problem and gave them my advice.

Are you wondering how I did it? Ha-ha, it’s my secret so I won’t tell you! Why don’t you use your imagination to find a solution to the problem?