Reliquary Container

Date1185-1333 (Kamakura Period)

DimensionsOverall: 5 3/8 × 2 5/8 × 2 5/8 in. (13.7 × 6.7 × 6.7 cm)

MediumBronze with open work, rock crystal, and pearl

ClassificationSculpture

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Florence Scott Libbey Bequest in Memory of her Father, Maurice A. Scott

Object number

2024.221

Not on View

DescriptionThe reliquary container in the form of a crystal column enclosing four loose beads and embellished with gilt-bronze mounts, standing on a stepped octagonal base surrounded by pendent lappets and a collaring band of reticulated scrolling lotus, all rising to a 'flaming pearl' '(Hju) on top of the reliquary.

Published ReferencesThe Cultural Properties of Kobe - In Pursuit of Local Treasures, Kobe City Museum, Japan, 1983, p. 98, no. 89. Tajima, Mitsuru, and Kayoko Komori, eds., Buddha's Smile II: Transcending Time and Space [Nenge misho II: hotoke no michi], Rondon Gyarari Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, 2010, p. 154, no. 99. c.f. Ruppert, Brian D., Jewel in the Ashes: Buddha Relics and Power in Early Medieval Japan, Harvard University Asia Center, 2000.Exhibition HistoryKobe City Museum, Kobe, Japan, The Cultural Properties of Kobe- In Pursuit of Local Treasures, 1983. Fukui Fine Arts Museum, Fukui, Buddha's Smile II - Transcending Time and Space, 2010.