A small hand-carved Yakushi Nyorai “Cat Buddha” in Kiso Hinoki (Japanese cypress), seated with a calm, composed posture and a gentle, familiar expression.
With its quiet presence and approachable scale, this piece sits naturally in everyday spaces—on a desk, shelf, or bedside—offering a sense of steadiness without demanding attention. Each carving is individually made in Japan, and subtle variations in form and finish are part of its character.
About this piece
This is a hand-carved wooden figure made by a Japanese busshi (Buddhist sculptor) using Kiso Hinoki, a cypress prized for its fine grain, lightness, and warm feel. The model follows the long-established Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru) iconographic tradition, interpreted here through a cat form to create an intimate, small-scale work suited to close viewing. Rather than being mass-produced, each statue is carved individually, reflecting the maker’s hand and the natural character of the wood.
Cultural note
In Japan, images of buddhas are generally regarded as objects of reverence, whether placed in a temple setting or kept in the home. Yakushi Nyorai is widely known as the Buddha associated with healing and well-being, and people may approach such an image with a quiet, sincere intention—such as wishing for health, recovery, or steadiness of mind. A respectful approach is simple: place it somewhere clean and calm, avoid treating it as a casual ornament, and handle it with care and clean hands. Because this piece is made by a busshi specifically for the buyer, creation is a slow, deliberate process.
Details
- Size: 72(H) × 55(W) × 55(D) mm; Weight: 27 g
- Material: Kiso Hinoki (Japanese cypress)
- Origin: Made in Japan
Placement & care
- Place on a stable, clean surface where it won’t be easily knocked over.
- Avoid direct sunlight, high humidity, and rapid temperature changes to help preserve the wood.
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth; avoid water, oils, or chemical cleaners.
- If you choose to keep it near daily life (desk or bedside), treat the space with a calm, respectful mindset.
Shipping timeline
- Made to order by a busshi; please allow about 6 months for creation before it is ready to ship.
