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Japanese Giltwood Medicine Buddha, Yakushi Nyorai, Muromachi Period 16th Century

About the Item

A striking Japanese late Muromachi Period (1333-1573) lacquered and giltwood figure of Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, seated upon an elaborate carved openwork lotus pedestal, Japan, mid-16th century. The Medicine Buddha, known as Yakushi Nyorai in Japan, is seated upon a large and elaborate multi-tiered lotus pedestal. Yakushi Nyorai is dressed in the typical robes of the Buddha, with his chest exposed. His voluminous robes drape and pool elegantly around his robust figure. He holds up one hand in abhaya mudra, the gesture of dispelling fear. In his other hand, he holds a medicine pot shaped as a lotus bud, his identifying attribute. His hair is arranged neatly in rows of tight curls. He has painted rock crystal inset eyes, as well as a rock crystal orbs to the middle of his forehead and the front of the ushnisha. The tall pedestal Yakushi Nyorai sits upon is masterfully carved. The top section features a large and bold upturned lotus pedestal, with individually carved overlapping petals in three tiers. The lotus sits upon a round cloud pillow with a separately carved lotus petal surround. The lotus is supported underneath by a lion that crouches upon a downturned lotus pedestal. A two-tiered stepped pedestal reminiscent of temple or pagoda architecture, complete with decorative railings, supports the entire structure. The Buddha figure is created from separate blocks of cypress carved and joined together for form the full figure, which is then lacquered and gilded. The figure most likely with the original consecration or dedicatory material to the interior, as there is movement to the interior when the piece is picked up. Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, is an important figure in the Japanese Buddhist pantheon. Patrons would often commission images of Yakushi Nyorai as a symbol of thanksgiving after recovering from an illness, ascribing their recovery to the Medicine Buddha.

Dimensions:

Height: 20.5 in (52.07 cm)Width: 12 in (30.48 cm)Depth: 11 in (27.94 cm)

Style:

Edo (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Cypress,Rock Crystal,Gilt,Hand-Carved,Lacquered

Place of Origin:

Japan

Period:

16th Century

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1550

Condition:

Repaired: The pedestal with evidence of glue repairs. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. The Buddha: scattered losses, including missing a thumb, and part of the ear; gilding mostly gone, with the lacquer flaking in some areas. The pedestal: loss to some elements, evidence of gluing. Missing the halo. Please see photos.

Seller Location:

Austin, TX

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU894716136351

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