Votive Plaque Incised with an Image of the Bodhisattva Nyoirin Kannon
Former TitleVotive Plaque Depicting the Bodhisattva Nyoirin Kannon
CultureJapanese
Date12th century
MediumBronze; incised design with traces of polychrome
DimensionsOverall: 7 3/8 inches (18.73 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Mathias Komor in honor of Laurence Sickman
Object number77-6
On View
Not on viewCollections
Gallery LabelVotive Plaque Incised with an Image of the Bodhisattva Nyoirin Kannon
Japan, Heian period (794–1185), 12th century
Bronze, incised design with traces of polychrome
The votive plaque takes the circular form of a mirror, which is considered sacred in the native Japanese religion of Shinto. The etched image on the plaque is of Nyoirin Kannon, one of the manifestations of the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Combining a Buddhist image (Kannon) with a Shinto form (a mirror) symbolizes the harmonious, complementary relationship between the two faiths. Similar plagues are found at both Shinto and Buddhist temples, where they are hung as offerings to protect the sacred environs.
Gift of Dr. Mathias Komor in honor of Laurence Sickman, 77-6
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