Yakushi Nyorai
10th/11th century
Medium
Wood with traces of polychromy
Dimensions
88.9 × 50.8 × 50.8 cm (35 × 20 × 20 in.)
Classification
wood
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
80886
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The spiritual ideal of the late Heian period (794–1185) is revealed in serene religious images such as this statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing. Traditionally invoked to cure both physical and spiritual afflictions, Yakushi lifts his right hand in a gesture of reassurance and protection while he cups a medicine bottle in his left hand. The gentle modeling and precisely folded drapery of this work express the elegance of Buddhist sculpture commissioned by the Heian aristocracy.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...