zukō 頭光

Lit. head light. A nimbus or halo that encircles the head of an image of a Buddhist deity. In the case of sculpture it is usually carved separately and attached to the back of the head. Classified according to shape, zukō fall into four types.

1　The round nimbus *enkei kōhai 円形光背, which can be further categorized as *enkō 円光, *rinkō 輪光, and rinpōkō 輪宝光. Most nimbus derive from this basic circle shape.

2　The onion-shaped jewel nimbus *hōjugata kōhai 宝珠形光背.

3　The radiating nimbus *hōshagata kōhai 放射形光背.

4　The flame-shaped nimbus *kaen kōhai 火焔光背. Besides, zukō Buddhist images often are portrayed with rays of light radiating from the body called *shinkō 身光 or mandorla. See *kōhai 光背.