Japanese monk antic statue?

[fandango1404]

Hello all, i’m looking for some help in identifying the statue of a Japanese monk, which is in my family for at least more than 100 years. This statue is believed to have come from a Japanese temple. I would appreciate any help you can give. Thanks very much in advance. valflor@yahoo.com

Description: A near life size hollow sculpture of what seems to be a zen monk in meditation.
Seated figure made out of wood.
Both hollowed body and head (very thin walls).
Lacquered (amber) colored head; Black encrusted eyes on crystal whites.
The statue contains about 1500 calligraphies (parchments in form of lotus leaves = 10 cm X 5 cm )
Height: 90 cm
Width: 100 cm
Depth: 70 cm
All details and photos : picasaweb.google.com/valflor

[fatalbert130]

I cannot find your photograph.

[fandango1404]

thank you for your interest!
i just tried and it works:
Picasa Web Albums - valflor

[Kageboushi]

Maybe you could try sending an email to this guy: Dr. H. van der Veere - Alfabetische lijst medewerkers - Faculteit der Geesteswetenschappen

He's a professor who might be able to tell you more about it, or otherwise might refer you to someone who can.

Good Luck!

[allhailhata]

Maybe a Japanese monk is　Shinran （親鸞）. the founder of the Jōdo Shinshū sect
Shinran - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
or Rennyo(蓮如) Rennyo - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mosf of calligraphies are dead people's names which contain 釈.
Jōdo Shinshū sect usually use 釈 as part of Dharma name.
FYI,釈 is a part of Budda's name.After death,a man become Buddhahood
Dharma name - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

And I can read some date (maybe its date of death).
For example,Japanese era name Kanpō (寛保) .1741 through 1744.

I think this statue should be in a temple for Puja.
At least, I don't want to have so many dead people's name card, even though they are all Budha.
If I have,I will feel I must recite the sutra every day for them.