Statue of Yuimakoji 法華寺維摩居士坐像

This splendid statue represents Yuimakoji (Sk. Vimalakirti), a wealthy patron of the Shakyamuni Buddha described in a Buddhist sutra. Roughly 90 centimeters tall, the statue was carved in the late Nara period (710–794) and is thought to have been associated with observances at Kofukuji Temple in Nara. The seated figure is carved in exacting detail, with realistic, flowing robes and an open mouth, as if he is speaking to a group of devotees.

Scholars originally believed the sculpture was made of dry lacquer, but through X-ray and computerized tomography imaging, experts were able to confirm that it is, in fact, made of wood. It was designated a National Treasure in 2017.