Sutra Container

JAPAN; Heian period

This sutra container is made of dark brown lacquered wood and measures 160 cm high. It consists of a base, cabinet, and roof, which is in imitation of a pagoda. The container has an octagonal Sumeru base, and the cabinet itself is cylindrical with doors that open to form three panels. The central panel is in the form of a half cylinder. The Sanskrit seed syllable on the left refers to Sakyamuni Buddha while the one on the right refers to Amitabha Buddha. There are chimes hanging down from the top.
On the two side panels, there are Dharma protectors wearing helmets and armor while holding Dharma instruments. When the doors are closed, there is a Dharma wheel in the center and a rectangular gilt plaque supported by a lotus at the top. Above, there is a lotus underpinning the octagonal eaves of the domed roof. The spire is in the form of a gilt lotus bud. The container formerly held almost 300 sutra scrolls.