Collection
/
Asian Art

Standing Yakusa

8th century

Brooklyn Museum photograph

Object Label

Buddhists in Tibet and eastern Asia adopted worship of the Medicine Buddha, known in Sanskrit as Bhaisajyaguru. Buddhists pray to the Medicine Buddha for long life and specific cures, as well as for more spiritual forms of healing such as removal of ignorance and fear. In Korea he is known as Yagsa Yeorae. From the fourth to the ninth century, Korean Buddhists commissioned many small images in which this Buddha is usually shown holding a pot of medicine.

Caption

Standing Yakusa, 8th century. Bronze, 7 1/16 x 2 in. (18 x 5.1 cm) with wood stand: 9 3/8 in. (23.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Frank L. Babbott Fund, 74.165. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Collection

Asian Art

Title

Standing Yakusa

Date

8th century

Period

Unified Silla Period

Geography

Place made: Korea

Medium

Bronze

Classification

Sculpture

Dimensions

7 1/16 x 2 in. (18 x 5.1 cm) with wood stand: 9 3/8 in. (23.8 cm)

Credit Line

Frank L. Babbott Fund

Accession Number

74.165

Frequent Art Questions

  • This is so delicate!

    Yes, for such a small statue, it has an incredible presence.
    Buddhism became the state religion of Korea's Silla kingdom in the sixth century.
    Small Buddhist images were likely created as objects of personal devotion and ensconced in the shrine in the devotee's home.
    In his outstretched left hand, he is holding a small bowl containing medicine.
    Thanks!

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