An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Seated Buddha with Halo1100s
Composed of a number of hollowed-out pieces of wood that were then covered with lacquer and gilding, this sculpture served as an image of worship in one of the small temples surrounding Kōfukuji, a major Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan. Like many Buddhas, this figure has its right hand positioned in a gesture meaning "fear not." The left hand is a replacement, so its original gesture, a clue to this Buddha's identity, is unknown. However, as the left foot is exposed over the garment, in lotus position, it may have been created as a Medicine Master Buddha, Yakushi Nyorai in Japanese, or the Buddha of our era, Shakyamuni.
A 1906 photo taken at Kōfukuji shows this sculpture without a halo or left hand.
gilded wood
Overall: 145.4 cm (57 1/4 in.); Figure: 88.2 cm (34 3/4 in.); Pedestal: 57.2 cm (22 1/2 in.)
Gift of Takako Setsu and her husband, Iwao, in memory of her father-in-law, Inosuke Setsu, and his long friendship with Sherman E. Lee
In a tranquil corner of Japan, under the watchful gaze of ancient trees and the gentle hum of nature, a small temple stands, cradled within the embrace of Kōfukuji, one of Nara's most cherished Buddhist sanctuaries. Here, amidst the flickering light of candles and the soft whispers of prayer, a mesmerizing sculpture breathes life into the devotion of worshippers.
Carved tenderly from hollowed-out pieces of wood, this sacred figure shines with lacquered perfection and gilded elegance. Its surface, a glimmering reflection of faith, catches the light like a star in a quiet night sky, inviting all who see it to pause and contemplate. Each curve and contour tells a tale, unearthing stories of reverence and the passage of time.
The Buddha, a singular presence within this serene abode, reaches out with its right hand, poised in a gesture known to many: "fear not." This simple yet profound act of assurance resonates deeply, wrapping around the hearts of the faithful like a warm embrace, a reminder that peace is always within reach.
Yet, as one gazes closer, the left hand reveals a mystery. A replacement of the original, it leaves behind whispers of its purpose, a missing piece to a puzzle steeped in history. What message did this hand once convey? The answer dances just beyond our grasp, leaving us to wonder.
Beneath the soft folds of the garment, the left foot emerges, resting gently in lotus position—a symbol of enlightenment and balance. It hints at the figure's possible identity: perhaps it calls forth the calming presence of the Medicine Master Buddha, known as Yakushi Nyorai, or maybe it embodies the essence of Shakyamuni, the Buddha of our age.
As the sun sets, casting a golden hue across Nara's sacred grounds, the sculpture stands as both guardian and guide, urging us to reflect on our own paths. In its presence, we find not just an image of worship, but a profound connection—an invitation to embrace serenity, hope, and the timeless journey toward understanding.
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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