Accession Number1983/2.248A&B
TitleSutra Scroll Container with Cover
Artist(s)JapaneseArtist NationalityJapanese (culture or style)Object Creation Datelate 12th centuryMedium & Supportstoneware with gray (?) glazeDimensions 11 1/4 in. x 5 3/4 in. x 5 3/4 in. ( 28.58 cm x 14.61 cm x 14.61 cm )
Credit LineMuseum purchase made possible by the Margaret Watson Parker Art Collection FundLabel copySutra scroll container with cover
Japan
Heian period (794–1185)
Late 12th century
Stoneware with glaze
Museum purchase made possible by the
Margaret Watson Parker Art Collection Fund,
1983/2.248A&B
In Japan, the year 1052 was believed to be the beginning of mappō,
the decline of the Age of Dharma (the Buddhist teachings). Japanese
Buddhist practitioners believed that after this point no one could attain
enlightenment and that morality would crumble over the next 10,000
years. In this period, the practice of burying sutras to preserve Buddhist
teachings for the future increased. This practice also allowed the patron
to build merit in the hope of a better rebirth. This relatively simple sutra
container would have been buried on temple grounds or at a sacred site.
Mountains were a common choice for such burials as they were believed
to be closer to Buddhist paradises, or Pure Lands of Buddhas.
Primary Object Classification Ceramic Primary Object Typescroll containerCollection AreaAsianRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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