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Zen Buddhist Priest's Scepter
Zen Buddhist Priest's Scepter

Zen Buddhist Priest's Scepter

Original Language Title木彫如意
CultureJapanese
DateEdo period (1615-1868)
MediumPolished and carved root wood
DimensionsOverall (without fabric tie): 2 × 3 5/8 × 19 1/4 inches (5.08 × 9.21 × 48.9 cm)
Part (fabric tie): 9 1/4 inches (23.5 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: the Everitt Oriental Fund in memory of Donna Johns O'Neal, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Everitt P. O'Neal
Object numberF83-28
On View
Not on view
Collections
Gallery Label
Buddhist monks carry staffs or wands in various sizes and shapes. This one is an example of a nyoi, meaning “as desired.” In China, these scepters were also emblems of scholars. The form may have evolved from a scepter held by Chinese scholar during debates from around the 300s C.E. In its Buddhist context, the stylized cloud shape at one end symbolized the transmission of the Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha). This scepter bears and inscription indicating that it was made for the Zen priest Sengai Gibon (Japanese, 1750–1837).
Provenance

Owned by Sengai Gibon (1750-1837), Hakata, Japan, until 1837;

With David Newman, London, by May 31, 1983;

Purchased from David Newman by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1983.
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