This variety of wood sculpture, known as danzō, exploits to fullest extent the color and fragrance of the medium of sandalwood. The portions that project outward from the main body have been carved from same block of wood. Although the trunk is slight and slender, the boldly executed facial features, the prominently chiseled head, and the bent-armed pose are replete with a powerful expressiveness.
 
Yasuo Inamoto 
Masterworks from the Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall at the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2010, p.141, no.130. 

 Almost the whole body of this statue, including the ten heads and the image of kebutsu on the main head, the vase in its left hand, and other details were carved from a single piece of sandalwood. Added parts are the topknot on the head, the part of the rosary which is not touching the body (missing), and flower-shaped ornaments on the lotus petals of seat. The platform is also made from a different piece of sandalwood, and a firm column which was carved out from the bottom of the lotus seat is inserted into the platform. The fragrance of sandalwood still surrounds this column. The beautiful surface of the sandalwood is effectively used without coloring, except for the hair, which is painted in navy blue, the rosary which is painted in red and blue, and the vase and costume, which are decorated with designs in gold pigment. The narrow eyes suit the gallant look of the young man, and its standing posture with its waist slightly twisted represents youthful ingenuousness. This is one of the representative examples of sandalwood sculptures made during the early 9th century in the early Heian period. 
Masterpieces of Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 1993, pp.14-15, no.5.