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Yakushi Nyorai, Japan, 10th/11th century

Japan

Yakushi Nyorai

10th/11th century · Sculpture

Can I see it?

Yes, on view now

Where is “Yakushi Nyorai” now? Art Institute of Chicago, Gallery 102, Chicago. Yes, on view now. Checked October 12, 2026.

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Room102

Closed· opens Thu at 11:00 AM

On public display.

Checked
In this state since
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The museum
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About the sculpture

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.

Art Institute of ChicagoCC BY 4.0

Details

Accession number
1921.388

What it shows

BuddhismReligion

In the catalog

SculptureWoodJapanese (culture or style)Japan

Sources

In the same room · Gallery 102, Art Institute of Chicago

Museum page
Seated Bodhisattva, Japan, 8th century

Japan

Seated Bodhisattva, 8th century

Bishamon, Japan, 11th century

Japan

Bishamon, 11th century

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Smiling Figurine, Japan, c. 1000–300 B.C.

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Japan

Horse, 5th–6th century

Head of a Warrior, Japan, 6th century Kofun period (mid 3rd–6th century A.D.)

Japan

Head of a Warrior, 6th century Kofun period (mid 3rd–6th century A.D.)

On the same theme · Buddhism

All works on the theme
Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru (Yaoshi fo), ca. 1319

Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru (Yaoshi fo), ca. 1319

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Stele Commissioned by Helian Ziyue (赫蓮子悅) and a Devotional Society of Five Hundred Individuals, dated 533–43

Stele Commissioned by Helian Ziyue (赫蓮子悅) and a Devotional Society of Five Hundred Individuals, dated 533–43

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Legends of the Yūzū Nembutsu Sect, Artist unknown, Kamakura period (1185–1333), 14th century

Artist unknown

Legends of the Yūzū Nembutsu Sect, Kamakura period (1185–1333), 14th century

Not on view · Art Institute of Chicago

Seated Bodhisattva, Japan, 8th century

Japan

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Art Institute of Chicago