Cylindrical jar with lid, incised peony scroll work design, for storing a sutra case.

Collection NumberA000349
TitleCylindrical jar with lid, incised peony scroll work design, for storing a sutra case.
DateHeian period, 11th-12th century.
Artist, Kiln, Workshop猿投窯 Sanage ware
Name of prefectures & citiesAichi prefecture, Japan
Description of works【Prayerfully-created time capsule】
In the 11th and 12th centuries CE, the thought prevailed in Japan that the diminishing influence of Buddhism would eventually put the country into turmoil. Fearing such a calamity, some people decided to preserve the sutras containing Buddhist teachings for posterity. To that end, aristocrats and Buddhist priests buried sutra scrolls by placing them first inside cylindrical copper containers called kyozutsu (sutra tubes), and then placing the tubes into outer containers, such as this piece.
At the end of the 11th century, the Sanage Kilns stopped applying glazes to their products and switched to mass-producing household ceramics for local communities, with the exception of catering to demands for special items like this lidded container. The design of peonies on the surface gives the container an air of elegance, reflecting the taste of the aristocrats and Buddhist priests of that time.

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