After eleven years of investigation, artwork stolen from the tower of Wakamatsu Castle on March 3rd ,1995,has been recovered and the case has been closed. The thief was arrested on August 3rd, 2006, and the following artwork were
safely returned to the owners on October 5 th.
We deeply apologize to the many parties concerned for the great inconvenience caused since the accident,and we would like to convey our sincerest gratitude for all the cooperation we have received to this day.
Kanke Ichiroe
Mayor of Aizu Wakamatsu City
Important National Cultural Asset Article:
White copper 3-pointed malletLength: 24.1 centimeters
Property of Enichi Temple, Bandai Machi, Fukushima The Nara Period
To see the larger version, please click here. (10KB)
This is one of the oldest 3-pointed mallets called "FunnugataSankocho" or "Ikarigata Sankosho". Rare and precious, the only other two examples are protected in Nara(Shosoin Gyobutsu) and Tochigi(Shimotsukenokuni Nantaisann Shutsudohin).
The one stolen dates back to the Nara Period(710~793), and one of the points is missing.
Fukushima Prefecture Important Cultural Asset Article:
Copper statue of the Goddess of Mercy BodhisattvaHeight: 27.7 centimeters
Property of Haguro Yugami Shrine, Aizu Wakamatsu, Fukushima The Nara Period
To see the larger version, please click here. (13KB)
Dating back to the Nara Period(710~793), this gold-copper statue of the Bodhisattva was kept secret in the Haguroyama Temple Buddha training center.
The Bodhisattva is wearing a crown, has thin eyes, and a small smile that reminds us of ancient art styles. It has similar features to Gyobutsu 48 Bodhisattva and gold-copper Buddha statues from the Nara Period.
Facing the statue, the left side of its garments is damaged.
Fukushima Prefecture designated important cultural asset Article:
Copper Goddess of Mercy Bodhisattva statueHeight: 33.6centimeters
Property of Fukushu Temple, Kitakata City, Fukushima The Hakuho Period
To see the larger version, please click here. (27KB)
The statue is adorned with a Sanzan crown on a large head, defined eyebrows, thin eyes, and necklaces in front of the leg, which are held with her left hand. Her waist is typical of Buddhist statues made in Hakuho period(670).
