An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Medicine Master Buddha and the Twelve Divine Generals1200s
From the 700s, people in Japan began praying to the Medicine Master Buddha (Yakushi Nyorai) for longevity. Yakushi is at the center of this image, flanked by the bodhisattvas of the sun and moon, Nikkō and Gakkō. The Twelve Divine Generals, a group of protective deities, surround him. Yakushi sits in a meditative pose with his right hand in a gesture bestowing fearlessness while his left hand holds a medicine jar. In the upper part of the painting, rectangles simulating decorative paper inscription slips contain excerpts from a sacred text about Yakushi, in which he asks that sick people who speak his name should become well and that all who hear his name might have their purity restored.
Each of the Divine Generals has an identifying zodiac animal in his hair or headdress.
Hanging scroll painting; ink, color, gold, and silver on silk
Image: 151.2 x 84.1 cm (59 1/2 x 33 1/8 in.); Overall: 261 x 106.6 cm (102 3/4 x 41 15/16 in.); with knobs: 261 x 113.3 cm (102 3/4 x 44 5/8 in.)
Edward L. Whittemore Fund
In the serene landscapes of ancient Japan, whispers of hope floated through the air, a soft echo in the hearts of the faithful. It was the 700s, a time when the devout turned in prayer towards a figure of healing—the Medicine Master Buddha, known as Yakushi Nyorai. He became the embodiment of longevity, a beacon for those yearning for health and vitality.
At the heart of an exquisite painting, Yakushi is depicted with an aura of calm grace. His figure, serene and profound, sits in a meditative pose, embodying stillness amidst life’s chaos. To one side stand the bodhisattvas of the sun and moon—Nikkō and Gakkō—offering a balance of warmth and coolness, a serene harmony of day and night. They cradle the world in their gentle embrace, illuminating the path of healing for all who seek it.
Surrounding Yakushi are the Twelve Divine Generals, a vigilant group of protective deities, each one a steadfast guardian. Their watchful eyes cast a protective spell, ensuring that the sacred space remains a sanctuary for those in need. The air holds a palpable sense of security as Yakushi raises his right hand in a gesture that bestows fearlessness—an invitation to the sick to release their worries. His left hand cradles a medicine jar, a symbol of healing that speaks volumes in its simplicity.
Above Yakushi, a tapestry of rectangles unfolds, resembling decorative paper inscribed with sacred texts. Within these soft shapes lies strength, as the words echo through time. They relay his compassionate promise, calling to the afflicted: “Speak my name and find solace; let pureness flow through you again.” It is a tender reminder that faith can brighten even the darkest of days, bringing forth healing bathed in hope.
In this moment, captured within the frame of an artistic masterpiece, the spirit of healing envelops all who gaze upon it, inviting them to join in a collective prayer for wellness—a testament to the enduring bond between humanity and the divine.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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