Taimadera Temple: Sutra Box

JAPAN, Nara, Katsuragi; Heian period

This 12th century maki-e sutra box is kept in Taimadera Temple. The incomplete illustration of a lotus pond on the side of the box suggests that it may have been originally in three tiers. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1954.
The rectangular sutra box is 31 cm long, 18.8 cm wide, and 5.5 cm high. On the lid there are roaring waves, in the middle of which three rocks break the surface. The Kurikara Dragon, a manifestation of Acala who wrapped his body around his opponent’s sword and swallowed it appears in the center surrounded by leaping flames. Acala is flanked by his attendants, Kongara Doji and Seitaka Doji, standing on rocks. On either side of the flames are falling lotus petals. On the sides there are lotuses emerging from water.