Figure of Seated Buddha

This Buddha icon was made in Japan during the Heian period, when wood became the norm as the main material for sculptures, replacing the more expensive bronze. The figure is constructed from several blocks of wood, pinned together, that were originally covered with layers of clay, lacquer, and pigments. The Buddha’s upraised hand is making the “do not fear” gesture. In Japan, this gesture is usually associated with a Buddha known as Fukūjōju Nyorai (Sanskrit: Amoghasiddhi), who typically appears as one of five major Buddhas and was rarely worshipped alone.