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About

Sculpture that lives in the modern day.

Ishihara Yoshisada Wood Carving Studio is based in Inami, Nanto City, Toyama — one of Japan's foremost wood-carving towns. We create primarily Buddhist sculpture.

Honoring more than a thousand years of carving tradition, we also explore new forms attuned to the lifestyles and values of today.

Featured Works

Featured Works

Tamonten / Bishamonten
Tamonten / Bishamonten

A warrior deity of the Tenbu pantheon, counted among the Four Heavenly Kings alongside Jikokuten, Zōchōten and Kōmokuten. We render his powerful presence as guardian of protection and prosperity.

Fudō Myō-ō
Fudō Myō-ō

Fudō Myō-ō is regarded among the highest figures in Buddhism, sent into our world to save all beings. We carve from a single block of wood the fierce visage that holds deep compassion within.

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Recent Works

Recent Works

2022
Fudō Myō-ō with Two Attendants, Tamonten (Bishamonten) Statue
Daihi-zan Kannon-in, Kumagaya, Saitama
2021
2.5m Kongō Rikishi (Niō) Guardian Statue
Hōzen-in, Atami, Shizuoka
Yoshisada Ishihara
Profile
Buddhist Sculptor / Wood Carver

Yoshisada Ishihara

ISHIHARA YOSHISADA
  • 1972Born in Gunma Prefecture, Japan
  • 1991Enrolled in a U.S. university after high school
  • 1994Left university; spent two years abroad before returning to Japan
  • 1995Apprenticed under master sculptor Suda Kiyosada
  • 2006Established independent practice under the artist name Yoshisada