Jōkei (sculptor)

Jōkei (定慶) was a Japanese sculptor of the Kei school, which flourished in the Kamakura period.

Aside from his artwork, Jōkei left little record of his life, so sorting out the details of his biography is difficult.

[1] Jōkei probably began his career as a disciple of Kōkei, the organizer of the Kei school of sculpture, or of Unkei.

Some see his Yuima as strong and healthy,[1] while others view the figure as aged and ill in keeping with his description in the Vimalikirtinirdesha Sutra.

The sculpture's high wooden backing, carved to look as if it is covered in cloth, is another Chinese element.