Shaka Nyorai − The Historical Buddha

sculpture

Japanese Collection

Accession Nr.: 5610.1-2
Type: lacquers
Date of production:
12th century
Heian period
Place of production:
Acquisition: collected by Péter Vay
Materials/Techniques: wood, compiled from several pieces, lacquered and gilded
Dimensions: height: 53.5 cm
width: 44 cm
depth: 41 cm
with base: 72 cm
Shaka nyorai (Sanskrit: Sakyamuni), the Historical Buddha is depicted sitting in the lotus position (Japanese: kekkafuza), with his feet resting on his thighs. The body of this dignified, seated figure is swathed in a monk’s robe, which opens at the chest to reveal an undergarment tied above the waist. Around his neck are three beauty folds. The head was adorned with a circular halo at one time.