Bernhard (Benno) Mühlig - The statue of Dai-Butzu (Daibutsu) (1872/73)

 

Source: Museum Fünf Kontinente

Bernhard (Benno) Mühlig travelled to Japan in 1872, during a period of modernization in the country. While there, he painted several works, including a portrait of Emperor Meiji and the famous "Nippon Bridge". He also painted "The statue of Dai-Butzu (Daibutsu)". His works reflect a fascination with the culture and landscape of Japan, as well as the country's rapid modernization during this time.

Mühlig's painting of the Dai-Butzu statue and Heine's illustrations of Japanese scenes and landscapes captured the changes happening in Japan during this time of transformation.