Itsukushima Shrine: Sutra Box

JAPAN, Hiroshima, Hatsukaichi; Heian period

This box contains sutras transcribed by Taira no Kiyomori, a general of the late Heian period, and his family members. There are a total of 33 manuscripts, including the Lotus Sutra and the Amitabha Sutra. The sutra box was dedicated to Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1954.
The rectangular sutra box is made of forged bronze and is 37.1 cm long, 33.8 cm wide, and 23.3 cm high. The center of the lid features a raised disk with silver and gold-plated silver openwork depicting five pagodas, clouds, and twin dragons. The body of the case is divided into three tiers, each decorated with silver or gilt silver reliefs of floating clouds and dragons. All the reliefs are riveted to the sides of the sutra case. The base of the sutra case consists of an openwork frame.