Vajra pestles in Japan are thought to have achieved their greatest perfections of strength and elegance in the latter part of the Heian period (794–1185). The graceful curves of the prongs and the boldly protruding “demon eyes,” the circular motif at the center of the handle, embody the excellence of ritual implements from the period. This was once owned by Kawabata Yasunari (1899–1972), the Nobel Prize-winning novelist.
NAITO SakaeEnglish by Mary Lewine
Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2021.7, p.340, no.129.
Gilt-bronze Three-pronged Vajra Pestle
Cast bronze, gold plate
H 17.3, L of handle 6.1, W 5.3
Heian period 12th century
- D047495
- D047495
- 2007/02/08
- D060313
- A308583
- 2007/02/08
- A205054
- 1988/03/02
- A307167
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| Accession Number | 1406-0 |
|---|---|
| Category | Decorative Arts |
| Donation | Gift of Mr. Kazuhiko Hattori |
| Bibliography | Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2021.7, 354p. Faith in Form and Figure: Encountering Buddhist Images. Nara National Museum, 2013, 148p. A Stroll Among Beloved Treasures: Buddhist Decorative Art Donated by Kazuhiko Hattori. Nara National Museum, 2007, 79p. (Japanese) Sources of Japanese Buddhist art. Nara National Museum, 1978, 403p. (Japanese) |