Standing Yakushi Nyorai at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Norwich

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The widespread devotion to Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) in Japan began shortly after Buddhism's introduction to the Japanese archipelago in the mid-sixth century. Concrete evidence of his worship on Japanese soil dates back to the late seventh century during Emperor Tenmu's reign, as seen in available images. Initially revered solely by ruling monarchs and high-ranking court officials for personal benefits (to cure life-threatening illnesses), Yakushi would later become the central deity in eighth-century rituals aimed at ensuring the well-being of the entire realm. By the early ninth century, the deity was also invoked to appease vengeful spirits that caused calamities. During the Heian period (794–1185), Yakushi's cult spread rapidly across all regions of Japan, as evidenced by an explosive increase in the production of Yakushi images in the ninth and tenth centuries. Hundreds of extant Heian-era Yakushi statues, a remarkably high number compared to surviving sculptures of other Buddhist deities, attest to his prominence during those times. Most of these Yakushi icons, according to scholar Yui Suzuki, were enshrined in large temples with imperial or aristocratic lineage, but some were installed in private shrines and humble monasteries far from the capital, suggesting that Yakushi worship had already spread to lower classes. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative launched by MyMiniFactory, which aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the world for public access. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items nearby and want to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can help.