Attention, toy collectors who love unique Eastern mythology and designer Sofubi! This weekend, an awe-inspiring original masterpiece will make its physical debut at the Taipei World Trade Center exhibition: the "Five Kalpa Lion's Roar Tathagata - Realm Guardian," personally designed by "The Demon King" from "The Demon King's Summoning Place."
Standing at an impressive 30 cm, its massive presence exudes powerful majesty and gravitas just by being displayed. The design masterfully blends esoteric Buddhist imagery with the dynamic appeal of trendy toys. Discussing the inspiration behind this visually striking creation, "The Demon King" shared the profound design philosophy:
｜ Creation Inspiration: The Harmony of Stillness and Motion Manifesting the Tathagata's Great Vow
For the upper part, the Tathagata's form draws inspiration from the "Five Kalpa Contemplating Tathagata," a sculptural style lost since the Tang Dynasty. Scriptures recount that Amitābha Buddha, during his practice, contemplated for five kalpas to save all sentient beings. The massive and unique ushnisha (cranial protuberance), resembling an afro, grew intertwined from this prolonged contemplation, symbolizing the accumulation of vows and time. I was deeply drawn to this form, which possesses both powerful visual impact and profound introspection.
Furthermore, the teachings of the Buddhas are likened to a "lion's roar," capable of subduing all demonic afflictions. Therefore, I combined the deep contemplation of the Five Kalpa Tathagata with the lion's roar mount below, featuring wide-open eyes and gripping a vajra scepter in its mouth. One still, one dynamic; one compassionate, one majestic – the two complement each other, embodying the Tathagata's great vow as manifested through inner realization."
Breaking the Mold of Buddhist Statues! Three Key Highlights Combining Functionality and Playfulness
Beyond its exceptionally high-level sculpting and exquisite texture, blending ancient jade/bronze with gilded accents, this piece also incorporates thoughtful playability and practical functional designs:
Detachable Mechanism for Warding Off Evil and Protecting the Home:
The lion's head and the golden vajra scepter held in its mouth feature a special detachable design. Beyond displaying the complete piece, collectors can also place the majestic lion base separately at their home's entrance or doorway, serving as a stylish, tangible guardian beast to ward off evil and protect the household!
Articulated Mechanism Paying Homage to a National Treasure:
The Tathagata's head on the upper part incorporates a rotatable articulation. This not only allows for varied display angles but is also a clever tribute by "The Demon King" to Japan's renowned National Treasure at Eikan-dō Temple in Kyoto – the "Mikaeri Amida" (Amida Buddha Looking Back). When you turn its head, the compassionate backward glance adds a layer of profound cultural depth to the trendy playfulness.
The Grand Scale of the Tathagata's Great Vow:
Standing approximately 30 cm tall, its substantial weight and imposing size perfectly embody the Tathagata's great vow, making it an excellent choice for home protection, display, and interaction.
During this weekend's exhibition, the physical piece will be officially displayed at booth C916 at the World Trade Center venue. Limited online lottery pre-orders have also opened simultaneously, with reports indicating a highly enthusiastic response of approximately 25 participants already. Toy enthusiasts eager to experience the grandeur of this divine masterpiece firsthand are welcome to visit the booth and witness it in person. Don't miss this opportunity to see and acquire it!
Product & Exhibition Information
Product Name: Five Kalpa Lion's Roar Tathagata - Realm Guardian
Height: Approximately 30 cm
Exhibition Venue: Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition (Booth Number: C916)
Pre-order Method: On-site / Online Lottery Pre-order
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