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Buddhist Reliquary with a Flaming Jewel 

Exhibition information
on exhibit from January 1, 2026 (Thu) to February 15, 2026 (Sun) at Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3

Containers like this hold objects symbolizing the sacred bones of the Buddha. In this superbly made example, the bones are held inside the flaming jewel at the top, an object thought to grant wishes."

This object contains stone or glass beads that represent the Buddha’s cremated remains. Monks of the Esoteric schools of Buddhism likely used it during prayers. Its design incorporates various Buddhist symbols, including a lotus pedestal at the bottom, a ritual weapon in the middle, and a wish-granting jewel at the top.

Cultural property designation
Important Cultural Property
Quantity
Artist
Period/Century
Kamakura period, 13th–14th century
Country/Origin
Excavation site
Material
Cast bronze with gilding and silvering
Size
Inscriptions
Donor
Collection reference no.
E-15502
Genre
Metalwork
Category
Applied arts > Religious objects > Buddhism > Ornamental objects
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On display: Metalwork

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