Standing Buddha Statuettes

Both of these statues are small bronze Nyorai (Tathāgata) of simple made, clad in simple garment. These two figures presumably depict Shaka (Śākyamuni) and Tahō (Prabhūtaratna), who were introduced in the Kenhōtō chapter in the Hoke-kyō (Lotus sutra). A bronze bell had also been enclosed in the case. It is regrettable that the details of the excavation is no longer known since this pagoda-shaped sutra case, which bears its production date, is one of a few excellent excavated objects. The fact that Buddhist statues were contained within this sutra case is a noteworthy aspect.

— Museum description: Nara National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.