Hachiman

Hachiman (八幡) is the kami of archery and war, guardian of the warrior class and of the nation. He was also the first kami to be given a Buddhist title, Hachiman Daibosatsu, the Great Bodhisattva, and he embodies the long partnership of kami and buddhas better than any other deity.

Japanese 八幡, Hachiman; 八幡大菩薩, Hachiman Daibosatsu
Identified with Emperor Ōjin; in Buddhist terms, Amida
Recognise by In sculpture, often a seated monk with shaven head and staff; otherwise a courtier or warrior
Messenger The dove

From Usa to Kamakura

Hachiman's cult began at Usa in Kyushu. In the eighth century the god sent an oracle supporting the casting of the Great Buddha at Tōdaiji, and was carried to Nara to honour it, earning his Buddhist title. Iwashimizu Hachimangū was founded to protect Kyoto, and the Minamoto clan adopted Hachiman as their patron. When Minamoto no Yoritomo founded the Kamakura shogunate, Tsurugaoka Hachimangū became the spiritual centre of the warrior capital. Thousands of Hachiman shrines followed across Japan.

Hachiman as a monk

Because he had taken Buddhist vows, Hachiman was often sculpted as a monk, Sōgyō Hachiman, seated with shaven head and a staff. The painted figure carved by Kaikei for Tōdaiji in 1201 is the masterpiece of this form, startlingly lifelike.

Collecting notes

  • Monk-form Hachiman figures are rare. Hachiman appears more often in shrine mandalas, banners and on sword fittings and armour, where his name invoked protection.
  • Banners inscribed with Hachiman's name hung in warriors' halls and martial arts schools, and are collected as calligraphy.

In the collection

Browse samurai armour and scrolls and paintings. Our collector concierge can search Japan for Hachiman material.

See also

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