Head of Monk’s Staff

JAPAN; Heian period

The staff is one of the 18 possessions of a Buddhist monk. The decorated head would have been attached to a staff to aid a monk when walking, as well as to announce his approach.
This staff head is shaped like a heart with a Bodhisattva standing at the center. The Bodhisattva has a distinctive nimbus and is holding a vase. There are attendant heavenly beings on either side, who step on demons while turning their bodies slightly toward the Bodhisattva. At the top and on each side, there are pagodas. A monk appears on either side; the one on the right has his palms joined in reverence, while one on the left is performing the varada (wish-granting) mudra. The rings from the head are missing.