This five-pronged vajra pestle is divided length-wise, and then its two parts are joined back together. It is a distinctive example of this kind of ritual implement. Because only one of its two parts is gilded, the vajra may symbolize mikkyō cosmology by joining together the Diamond World (Skt. Vajradhātu; J. Kongōkai) and the Womb World (Skt. Garbhadhātu; J. Taizōkai). Such an implement would have been used in various esoteric rituals, including rites for Aizen Myōō (Skt. Rāgarāja) and rites performed to strengthen unions between men and women.
NAITO SakaeEnglish by Mary Lewine
Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2021.7, p.340, no.127.
Wari Gokosho (Pestle with five prongs)
Gilt bronze
L 14.4, L of handle 5.6, L of prongs 4.2
Kamakura period 13th century
- D039423
- D039423
- 2004/12/10
- D039427
- 2004/12/10
- A028399
- 2004/12/10
- A028401
- 2004/12/10
- A219432
- 1997/06/03
- A219434
- 1997/06/03
- A219435
- 1997/06/03
More
| Accession Number | 1218-3 |
|---|---|
| Category | Decorative Arts |
| Bibliography | Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2021.7, 354p. Illustrated Catalogue of the Collection of Nara National Museum: Supplement. Nara National Museum, 1999, 108p. (Japanese) |
Related Objects
| Accession Number | Image | Object Name/Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1218-0 |
|
A set of Gilt Bronze Esoteric Buddhist Implements |
| 1218-1 |
|
Tokkosho (Pestle with one prong) |
| 1218-2 |
|
Gokosho (Pestle with five prongs) |
| Accession Number | 1218-0 |
|---|---|
| Image |
|
| Object Name/Title | A set of Gilt Bronze Esoteric Buddhist Implements |
| Accession Number | 1218-1 |
|---|---|
| Image |
|
| Object Name/Title | Tokkosho (Pestle with one prong) |
| Accession Number | 1218-2 |
|---|---|
| Image |
|
| Object Name/Title | Gokosho (Pestle with five prongs) |