Tachibanadera Temple: Nichira

JAPAN, Nara, Asuka; Heian period

The statue dates from the 9th century and depicts Nichira, who is credited with coming from the Korean Kingdom of Baekje to teach Buddhism to Prince Shotoku. The statue, except for the hands, is carved from a single piece of cypress wood and was originally painted. It was listed as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1901.
The figure’s head is smaller in proportion to the solid body, which turns slightly to the left with the weight falling on the straightened right leg. The right hand falls to the side with the palm facing outward. The item held in the raised palm of the left hand is now missing. The figure is robed as a monk and stands barefoot on a hexagonal six-petaled lotus pedestal. The varied folds of the robe are well-defined and fall in a way that emphasizes the shape of the legs.