The Intent Behind the Creation of the Central Buddha, Yakushi Nyorai, in the Kondō of Yakushi-ji: A Study Focused on the Pedestal Imagery

The central image of Yakushi Nyorai in the Kondō of Yakushi-ji is a statue closely associated with the imperial household. This study centers on the iconography of the Four Directional Deities and grotesque figures on the pedestal of this statue, while drawing comparative references to related imagery from both China and Japan, in order to reassess the intended meaning behind the iconographic program and, by extension, the original purpose of the statue’s creation. The analysis suggests that the twelve grotesque figures, enclosed within bell-shaped niches on all four sides of the pedestal’s midsection, likely represent the Twelve Divine Generals, who collectively symbolize the Pure Land of Yakushi in conjunction with the Medicine Buddha above. The grotesque figures situated outside the niches on the north and south faces take on the posture of supportive yakṣa and additionally carry the iconographic attributes of beast-demons. Positioned at the lowest register, the Four Directional Deities are interpreted as forming a directional entourage of ascension—either to immortality or to rebirth in the Pure Land. Taken together, these visual elements strongly suggest that the central image of Yakushi Nyorai may have been created as a posthumous votive offering for the soul of Empress Jitō.