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Head of Monk's Staff
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Head of Monk's Staff
JAPAN; Heian period (794–1185); Bronze; 25.2 x 14.1 cm;Nezu Museum, Tokyo, Japan
The staff is one of the 18 possessions of a Buddhist monk. The decorated head would have been attached to a staff to aid a monk when walking, as well as to announce his approach.
This staff head is shaped like a heart with a Bodhisattva standing at the center. The Bodhisattva has a distinctive nimbus and is holding a vase. There are attendant heavenly beings on either side, who step on demons while turning their bodies slightly toward the Bodhisattva. At the top and on each side, there are pagodas. A monk appears on either side; the one on the right has his palms joined in reverence, while one on the left is performing the varada (wish-granting) mudra. The rings from the head are missing. |
