With their constantly staring eyes, Japanese scarecrows make for an unsettling sight; one that probably has a much bigger impact on people passing by, rather than any pests they are supposed to be protecting the crops from.
The truly unpleasant gaze of a student statue revealing what appears to be a life-like face, however, in many ways makes the likes of those above seem positively pleasant looking.
And yet it’s arguable that neither of them have anything on this: a Buddhist figure that is always watching — no matter which angle you warily try to look at it from.
.. and listening, it would seem?
Yes, he’s all eyes and ears…
Goodness, he is so creepy!
He certainly is!
Sort of sad that the Buddhist figure had disfigured. It look like Human Specimen too and the expression of the eyes was so…..ghastly!!!
Yeah, people have been rubbing his head and shoulders so much that he’s started to wear away. I had a go myself, but very gingerly…
‘Cor, look at the lobes on that!
I know. Didn’t even notice them at the time though.
The Sangha has got it’s eye on you, Lee! There is an interesting, albeit slightly creepy statue at Todaiji, in Nara. http://www.flickr.com/photos/themystictraveller/1511092631/in/set-72157601670538778
Not sure which is the most disturbing there…
He did indeed. Saw him in the corner of the temple as soon as I walked in, but trying to photograph him straight on was difficult the way the light was coming in through the window. Couldn’t believe it though when I went to the side instead, and he was still looking at me!
I… actually thought he was a real person. Urgh.
With those eyes, I know exactly what you mean…
He looks like he should live below a French opera house, terrifying sopranos. Eeek.
Haha, very true!
Definitely unsettling. Great find!
Cheers. He wasn’t what I was expecting to see that’s for sure!
They planted the crops and Satan laughed uproariously. Japanese corn and Sorcery. The seventh seal has been broken.
Not sure they have such a thing in Buddhism!
Huuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrgh!!! That was scary.