Gilt-bronze Ritual Baton (Konpei)

Cast bronze, gold plate
L 18.7
Kamakura period　14th century

Gilt-bronze Ritual Baton (Konpei)
  • D047595
Gilt-bronze Ritual Baton (Konpei)_0
  • D047595
  • 2007/02/19
Gilt-bronze Ritual Baton (Konpei)_1
  • D047597
  • 2007/02/19
Gilt-bronze Ritual Baton (Konpei)_2
  • A308672
  • 2007/02/19
Gilt-bronze Ritual Baton (Konpei)_3
  • A308674
  • 2007/02/19

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The konpei (lit. metal axe), transmitted to Japan as an esoteric Buddhist ritual implement, was originally a tool used in ancient Indian medicine. During the empowerment rites of Vajrayana Buddhism that evolved out of royal consecration ceremonies in India (Skt. abhiṣeka; J. kanjō), the preceptor (Skt. ācārya) chants while pointing the konpei at both eyes of the aspirant. This particular example of a konpei is distinguished by its simple design, and it is
an example with both ends shaped like a sacred jewel (J. hōju). 
Object label 

Accession Number 1392-0
Category Decorative Arts
Donation Gift of Mr. Kazuhiko Hattori
Bibliography A Stroll Among Beloved Treasures: Buddhist Decorative Art Donated by Kazuhiko Hattori. Nara National Museum, 2007, 79p. (Japanese)

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