Monju Riding a Lion (after restoration) X-ray of cylinder and head section Monju Bosatsu Riding a Lion Japan, Kamakura period, 13th century Wood with color Konkaikomyo-ji Temple, Kyoto Monju Bosatsu (Skt., Manjusri Bodhisattva) Riding a Lion is the central image from a set of five sculptures enshrined in the first tier of a three-tiered pagoda at Konkaikomyo-ji Temple in Kyoto (the first of Monju's companions Zenzai Doji is missing, hence today, there are only four statues). These statues originally belonged to Hodo-ji Temple in the Okazaki district of Kyoto, but after the temple was abolished (date unknown), the images were moved to the abbot's quarters at Konkaikomyo-ji, then later to its pagoda. The Monju quintet generally includes Monju riding a lion accompanied by King Udayana (J., Utenno), Buddhapari (J., Buddahari), the elder Saisho Rojin, and the youth Sudana (J., Zenzai Doji). This quintet originated in the Monju cult of Mount Wutai (J., Godai) in China, which was later introduced to Japan during the latter half of the Heian period (794-1192) and became prevalent throughout the country thereafter. Monju and his companions were designated cultural properties by the city of Kyoto and have been undergoing conservation treatment for the last two years during the fiscal year 2004 to 2005. During this time, x-ray photos of the image revealed that a metal cylinder, measuring approximately ten centimeters in diameter, was inserted in its head (see above). Since the head section was completely sealed, the cylinder could not be removed during this restoration. However, a smaller cylinder, measuring approximately six centimeters in diameter, was found inside a Monju image from Saidai-ji Temple, where the priest Eison (1201-1290), who was a fervent believer of Monju, lived. A member of Eison's following may have also carved Monju Riding a Lion, though we do not know of any activities of Eison's following in the Okazaki area. The cylinder inside the Saidai-ji image informs us that it was completed in 1302. It seems highly likely that this stately Konkaikomyo-ji Monju dates even earlier than the Saidai-ji statue. Although Eison's involvement in its productions is a subject yet to be investigated, this 13th-century Monju is nonetheless an outstanding, invaluable work.