Jinshoji Temple: Flower Tray

JAPAN, Shiga, Nagahama; Heian to Kamakura period

This is one of 16 flower trays at Jinshoji Temple in Shiga. Such trays were used in Buddhist services to hold flower petals, which were later scattered. From the delicate style and pattern, it is thought that five of them are from the Heian period (794–1185) and eleven are from the Kamakura period (1185–1333). The set was listed as a National Treasure in 1952.
This flower tray was created from a single round bronze plate that is 0.15 cm thick. It has a diameter of 28 cm and weighs 375 g. The openwork tray is gilded and decorated with floral and scroll leaf patterns. Part of the lotus petals are silver plated. There are small rings on the surface of the tray such that it can be suspended.