Tokkosho (Pestle with one prong)｜Nara National Museum

Tokkosho (Pestle with one prong)

Bronze, gilted
L 21.1
Heian period　12th century

D000811

D000811
1990/02/14

A023603
1990/02/14

A023604
1989/08/03

A023602

A023606

A023607

A023609

This vajra pestle’s single prong is thick and has a slightly curved surface; the object gives the impression of great reserves of power latent within. Both of its ends form a single prong, and the pestle’s form has subtle curves. This ritual object was skillfully cast, and a great deal of its gilding remains. Its circular “demon eyes” at the center of the handle are intricately modeled to create a rich sense of volume.

MIMOTO ShusakuEnglish by Mary Lewine
Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2021.7, p.339, no.130.

Accession Number	657-0
Category	Decorative Arts
Bibliography	Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2021.7, 354p. Masterpieces from the Collection of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 1997, 350p. (Japanese) Applied art of Japanese esoteric Buddhism. Nara National Museum, 1992, 286p. (Japanese) Illustrated Catalogue of the Collection of Nara National Museum: Buddhist Implements. Nara National Museum, 1992, 121p. (Japanese) Sources of Japanese Buddhist art. Nara National Museum, 1978, 403p. (Japanese)