A katsuma is a ritual implement formed of two three-pronged vajras intersecting in a cross. In esoteric Buddhist ritual, the practitioner sets out to achieve ritual attainments by creating a four-sided border around the raised platform of the square altar, roping off the ritual space to perform rites. The katsuma are placed at each of the altar’s four corners. This katsuma is an important example from the Kamakura period (1185–1333). The tines of its vajras meet at the center in delicate points. At the middle is a large Chrysanthemum, and, unique to this katsuma, a lattice motif spans across the flower’s center. 
Object label