Manishuzan Io-in Matsumushi-dera Temple
Main Image Seven Yakushi Nyorai Images (one seated and six standing wooden figures) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
Impression TagsRefinementDepthMystery
DescriptionMatsumushi-dera's principal image, known as the Seven Yakushi, is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property consisting of one seated wooden Yakushi Nyorai at the center with three standing Yakushi figures on each side. While the seven Buddhas are usually represented on a halo, this arrangement of a seated figure with six independent standing images is exceptionally rare; Inzai City notes that old examples of this type survive only here and at Keisoku-ji in Shiga Prefecture. All seven are unpainted single-block kaya-wood sculptures. The seated central image is 54.3 cm tall and each standing figure about 38 cm. Their closely shared style and facial features indicate that they were made as a single group by the same sculptor, probably in the late Heian period. They are now housed in the Ruriko-den, which also serves as a storage facility. In addition to the formal unveiling held every 33 years, visitors wishing to view the images may do so by advance reservation.
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