These vases were once part of a set of five. During rites of esoteric Buddhism (mikkyō), these would have been placed at the four corners and center of the altar, with a flower representing the five colors placed in each. Such sets were also used as pitchers in ordination rites: when someone sought to enter the priesthood, water from five pitchers would have been poured over their head during the ceremony. These vases come from Tōji Temple in Kyoto.
NAITO SakaeEnglish by Mary Lewine
Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2021.7, p.339, no.137.
Kebyō (Flower vases)
Bronze, gilted
H 10.0
Kamakura period 14th century
- D019383
- D019383
- 1997/12/15
- A025284
- 1997/12/15
- A023746
- A023747
- A023748
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| Accession Number | 905-0 |
|---|---|
| Category | Decorative Arts |
| Provenance | Formerly kept in Tō-ji temple, Kyoto |
| Bibliography | Illustrated Catalogue of the Collection of Nara National Museum: Buddhist Implements. Nara National Museum, 1992, 121p. (Japanese) Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2021.7, 354p. |