Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts

Home＞Search >

SEARCH >

Stroke：

Vols：Artifacts

Page：165

Konzoji Temple: Gong

JAPAN, Kyoto; Kamakura period (1185–1333); Bronze; H: 20.2 cm
This bronze gong is engraved with the characters for Konzoji Temple on the back.
　 The gong has a distinctive curve with a series of smaller curves on the top and bottom. The raised boss in the center is decorated with lotus seeds and surrounded by lotus petals. On either side of the boss, there is a peacock standing tall and displaying its magnificent tail.
　 During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), the image of a peacock was often used to decorate gongs, since they were regarded as auspicious birds and their distinctive call was thought to resemble the sound of a gong.

Museum：

Entry Title：