As Pye explains, “Shotoku Taishi himself became the focus of a cult which carried forward this syncretistic pattern down to the present. Since he has been regarded widely as a national symbol, a personality who both received Chinese teachings and stood up as a Japanese figurehead, he has been claimed by various parties in the arguments over the very nature of Japanese identity” (Pye). As such, artwork has been dedicated to him. Many pieces dedicated to him typically focus on the religious aspect of who he was. This is undoubtedly shown in Shotoku at Two Years. This sculpture depicts Prince Shotoku as a toddler on his knees and praying. When viewing this piece, it is quite clear that it is sacred. Because Shotoku is depicted as a young child praying, it can be understood that his followers saw him as a wise ruler even at a young age. This sculpture shares some similarities with the statuary of the Virgin & Child. The Virgin & Child is a 14th century Christian statue of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus Christ depicted as an infant. Both sculptures are similar because they depict
Brooks