What did Blessed Justo Ukon Takayama (1552-1615) really look like? It depends on the artist!
►Here are iconic samples:
● 36” woodcarving by celebrated Paete artist Paloy Cagayat at the Manila Cathedral (2018).
● Painting by Utagawa Yoshiiku (1833-1904).
● Painting by Domoto Insho at main altar of the Osaka Cathedral (1964).
● 12-ft bronze statue by Johannes Masaaki Nishimori at the Philippines-Japan Friendship Park in Plaza Dilao, Paco, Manila (1977).
● Book cover for “Kirishitan Daimyo: Takayama Ukon” by Shinzuke Tani (published by the Daughters of St. Paul, 1979).#
►Our favorite Takayama illustration – because it combines a “Kirishitan samurai” and a large Cross that was his “Cause” – is a sketch in the book “Kirishitan Daimyo: Takayama Ukon” by Shinzuke Tani (Tokyo: The Daughters of St. Paul, 1979).
► ● The official portrait of Ukon Takayama used at the 2017 Beatification Rites at Osaka-jo Hall.
► ● Sustaita
►Manga (Japanese comics) fans may prefer this new painting by Shinrin Sam Bros (2019).#
►When a parish / chapel / shrine needs an altar-statue of Blessed Justo Ukon Takayama, this 36” statue (shown being blessed by Manila Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle) is what we supply.
For those wanting to have the 36” altar-statue — (the only model currently in production) – please indicate the name of the requesting parish or shrine — and email this to [ernestodepedro@gmail.com]