A refined Japanese cast iron Buddhist mask (仏面, butsume) depicting Miroku Bosatsu (弥勒菩薩), inspired by the celebrated Buddhist image enshrined at Chūgū-ji Temple (中宮寺) in Nara.
The face is rendered with the characteristic serenity associated with Miroku: gently lowered eyes, softly modelled features, and a subtle, peaceful smile. The dark iron surface gives the piece a quiet sculptural presence, while the simplified treatment of the hair and facial contours preserves the contemplative character of the original Buddhist image.
The famous Miroku Bosatsu of Chūgū-ji is one of the best-known early Buddhist sculptures in Japan and is admired for its graceful expression of meditation and compassion. This decorative mask translates that spiritual image into a compact cast-iron form suitable for display in a tokonoma, study, meditation space, or alongside a collection of Japanese Buddhist and folk art.
The work is signed by Hakudō (博堂) and retains a small cord at the side for hanging. A beautiful vintage devotional object combining Nara Buddhist imagery, traditional Japanese metalwork, and the tranquil expression of Miroku Bosatsu.
