Ninnaji Temple Reimeiden Hall: Medicine Buddha

JAPAN, Kyoto; Heian period

This Medicine Buddha was created in the late Heian period (794–1185) by a father and son named Ensei and Choen. It was enshrined within two nested containers at Ninnaji Temple for much of its existence. It was made available due to academic research in 1986, surprising many with its well-preserved state. The statue is now located within Reimeiden Hall. The sculpture was listed as a National Treasure in 1990.
The Buddha sits in full lotus position, making the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra with his right hand and holding a medicine pot in the palm of the left hand. The gold pattern on his monastic robes is repeated on the sitting cloth that overhangs the richly carved Sumeru throne. The Buddha’s blazing nimbus incorporates images of his seven manifestations. The back of the throne features his two attendant Bodhisattvas holding lotuses in their hands. The Twelve Yaksa Generals are depicted on the Sumeru base.