Rinnoji Temple: Mirror with Amitabha Buddha and Twelve Buddhas

JAPAN, Tochigi, Nikko; Heian period

This mirror was listed as an Important Cultural Property in 1954.
Made of copper-nickel, the mirror measures 14.4 cm in diameter and 0.4 cm thick. The edge has a lotus petal design, and in the center, there is an image of Amitabha Buddha sitting in full lotus position on a lotus throne. Behind the Buddha are a multi-layer nimbus and a mandorla decorated with a flame pattern. Around the outside are 12 Buddhas riding on clouds, which is a characteristic of Tendai school Buddhist artworks during the Heian period. The back of the mirror has a central boss surrounded by two phoenixes and mythical birds. There are floating clouds, flowers, and grasses in between.