藥師佛 Yaoshi fo (Medicine Buddha), unknown maker from China

Artwork Overview

藥師佛 Yaoshi fo (Medicine Buddha)
late 1500s–early 1600s, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
藥師佛 Yaoshi fo (Medicine Buddha), , late 1500s–early 1600s, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Material/technique: gilding; bronze; pigment

This cast-bronze, gilded Buddha is known as Bhaisajyaguru or Medicine Buddha, who is associated with healing and medicine. In the 7th century, the Chinese monk Yijing (635–713) traveled to India and translated into Chinese the Sanskrit scripture Bhaisajyaguru Sutra—a major textual source for understanding the Medicine Buddha. Since that time, worship of Medicine Buddha has expanded enormously in China.

Explore our entire collection