Sutra Container

Description

This is a portable container once used to preserve a miniature Buddhist sacred text. Created by hammering the reverse, high-relief designs on both the front and back of the case depict a peaceful pond where young boys are holding giant lotus flowers in their hands, and a pair of mandarin ducks are swimming. Probably the playful boys represent newly reborn souls in the Pure Land.

Provenance

Mr. Mitsura Tajima, Tokyo, Japan, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art (?–1998); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1998–)

Sutra Container

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1100s

Accession Number

1998.121

Medium

gilt bronze with incised and high relief decoration

Dimensions

Overall: 10.2 x 6.5 x 1.5 cm (4 x 2 9/16 x 9/16 in.)

Classification

Metalwork

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Mitsuru Tajima