Important Cultural Property

Standing Bhaisajyaguru

Japan, Heian Period, 12th century　Hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood
H.198.0cm
Buddhist Art from Tokoin Temple

It is said that Yakushi-nyorai or Bhaisayaguru heals all illness with a medicine bottle held in his left palm. This statue was originally called Katakasu Yakushi, after the location of Tokoin Temple of the Shingon Buddhist sect, and has been worshiped from ancient times. In spite of its severe expression with compressing its lips, its build with sloping shoulders makes a relaxed impression. The figure, with a smoothly curved surface and shallow wrinkles in its robe, suggests the avoidance of strongly contrasting shadows. This sort of graceful expression reflects the taste of the Heian Period (794-1185) aristocracy, and was so popular not only in the central Japanese cities where they resided, but all over the country.
The statue was originally magnificently painted with a red robe and gold body, although today the wood grain is showing. This style is said to be derived from a statue of Yakushi-nyorai enshrined by Saicho (767-822), progenitor of the Tendai sect in Japan, at Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei. As Tokoin was established by Saicho, it must originally have been a Tendai temple. This is a very important statue that conveys the prayers of Hakata people of the Heian Period even today.