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Reliquary
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Reliquary
JAPAN; Kamakura period (1185–1333); Gilt copper alloy and wood; H: 53 cm; Tokyo National Museum, Japan
This gilt bronze reliquary was listed as an Important Cultural Property in 1980.
The wooden base consists of a square, thin tier of lotuses, followed by a bead pattern, and a plain tier with imitation pilasters. An inverted lotus supports an upright lotus, above which there is a horizontal Dharma wheel. The five-prong vajra is surmounted by a lotus pedestal and a flaming jewel. The upper part is encircled by a ring, and inside the jewel, relics were once housed. This reliquary has a simple design and demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship, which was characteristic of the Kamakura period. |
