The story of Buddhist saint Kukai's life titled "Sora to Umi" is depicted by Japanese paper sculptor Kiyoharu Uchiumi at the Takanoko no Hotel in Matsuyama.

The story of Buddhist saint Kukai's life titled "Sora to Umi" is depicted by Japanese paper sculptor Kiyoharu Uchiumi at the Takanoko no Hotel in Matsuyama. (Photo: Laura MacLean)

Kukai's Life in Paper Sculptures

A free exhibition at Takanoko Onsen Hotel in Matsuyama

L. MacLean Jun 11, 2013 - 1 min read

The story of Buddhist saint Kukai's life titled "Sora to Umi" is depicted by Japanese paper sculptor Kiyoharu Uchiumi at the Takanoko no Hotel in Matsuyama.

The free exhibitions tell of Kukai's life from his birth as Mao Saeki in 774 to his death. Also known as Kobo Daishi, he was a monk, a poet, a calligrapher, a civil servant, a monk and the founder of Shingon Buddhism.

The legends from Kukai's life sculpted from paper dramatically arranged make for an incredible sight.

Kukai the civil servant.

Kukai the calligrapher.

The fine detail of the sculptures is especially evident in the facial expressions, hands, and hair of the subjects.

Stages of Kukai's life are each simply described on signs in Japanese.

The dolls have an impressive range of expressions, costumes, and poses.

Both of these "Sora to Umi" exhibits and each of their scenes will inspire visitors to learn more about Kukai.

There are scenes that are thought-provoking, inspiring, and joyous.

Others are frightening and convey despair, amorality, and anger.

On the mountain above Ishite-ji (Stone Hand Temple) in Matsuyama, Ehime stands a statue of Kukai or Kobo Daishi.

The story of Kukai's life titled "Sora to Umi" and depicted by Japanese paper sculptor Kiyoharu Uchiumi is displayed in 18 scenes at two locations. Scenes one through nine are at the Ehime Museum of History and Culture in the Uwa area of Seiyo City, and the remaining nine are at the Takanoko Onsen Hotel in Matsuyama.

L. MacLean

L. MacLean @l.maclean

I'm a Canadian living in Japan for twenty years, and I think Ehime is this country's best-kept secret.