JAPAN. 
147 
placed in front of the statue are also of bronze, the shape of the flowers and buds being 
beautifully modelled ; the tall votive lanterns and the shields placed at the head of the steps 
are of the same metal. Excepting the stains due to atmospheric action, the statue is as perfect 
now as on the day when it was first set up, and its extraordinary dimensions, as well as the 
exquisite finish of its details, give a high idea of the skill of the ancient Japanese in sculpture 
and in the casting of large masses of metal. Even with the powerful mechanical appliances 
we possess at the present day, the modelling, casting, and building up of an image of such 
dimensions would be considered a feat which would tax 
all the resources at our command. With the tacit 
permission of the attendants, we climbed up in front of 
the statue, and some four or five of us comfortably 
ensconced ourselves in one of the gigantic hands. 
The countenance of Buddha expresses a total 
absence of mental excitement, physical pain, and care 
for the things of this world. Figures of this extra¬ 
ordinary man—for his followers do not regard him as a 
deity—usually represent him in his “crowning intellectual 
act,” when he attained to “ full knowledge ” through long 
stages of contemplation, “ saw the illusory nature of 
all things, broke the last bonds that tied him to 
existence, and stood delivered for evermore from the 
necessity of being born again.” As we look up attentively 
at the broad, massive forehead, the nobly-arched eyebrows, 
the long, slightly oblique eyes, the straight nose, the full yet finely-cut lips, the round 
well-shaped chin, we commence to feel a sort of fascination, and that which at the first 
superficial glance seemed little better than one of those unmeaning faces so often seen on 
idols, dawns upon us as a masterly realisation of a lofty ideal. The image of Dai-Butsu 
appeared in perfect keeping with the sunlit landscape by which it was framed in ; not a 
leaf stirred, not a sound was heard, and yet, under this outward semblance of sleep, the 
whole exuberant life of Nature was peacefully active. 
We retraced our steps to Kamakura. Near the point where the road from Dia-Butsu 
joins the great avenue above described, is the spot where two English officers, belonging to 
the 20th Regiment, were treacherously attacked and killed. Only about ten years had elapsed 
since that event, but how great a change must have occurred in the meantime, considering 
the complete freedom and security with which we were now able to visit the country in all 
directions, and the friendly welcome we everywhere received! Having rested at the 
tea-house of Kamakura, we crossed the hills to Kanasawa. Along the roadside and 
from behind the trees, the children hailed our party with shouts of “ Anata ohayo! anata 
ohayo!” and great was their delight when they obtained an answer in their own language. 
During our stay in Japan, I had frequent opportunities of observing the happy, playful 
STATUE OF BUDDHA. 
