This statue sits on the right side of the Daibutsu (Great Buddha) statue.
Kokuuzo bosatsu is a deity (bosatsu) of wisdom and memory and the protector of craftspeople and artisans (Kokuuzo). Perhaps the hand gestures (right palm face up and left palm vertical - almost as in a wave) signify a welcome and a request to draw near without fear. This statue was added to Todai-ji Temple sometime between the 8th and 12th centureies c.e.
Todai-ji is a Buddhist temple originally built in 752 c.e. It was reconstructed in 1692 c.e. but only at 2/3 the size of the original temple - still very large. No nails were used in its construction. At first (752 c.e.) Todai-ji was the head temple for all Japanese Buddhist temples. Currently it is the Japanese headquarters for one sect of Buddhism - Kegon.
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