Butterfly shaped fittings incense container from wrapper of buddhist scripture Jingoji Issai-kyo

Butterfly-shaped gilt bronze metal fittings attached to the body and cord ends of sutra binders that contained the "Jingoji Issai-kyo" at Jingoji Temple in Kyoto.

The metal fittings were made into an incense container by a Sukisha (a Japanese collector) in some time.

The metal fittings were attached to a sutra binding to protect the Jingo-ji Sutra, which was initiated by Emperor Toba and completed during the reign of his son, Emperor Goshirakawa .

The sutra wrappers were used to protect these important sutra scrolls by wrapping them in a single package, which was said to hold approximately 10 scrolls of the Jingo-ji Sutra.

The threads, strings, metal fittings, and other details are elaborately designed to show the deep religious devotion of the time.

The edges of the body and wings of this butterfly-shaped metal fittings are swollen, and the wings and antennae are carefully engraved with a chisel.

The body and wings are carved carefully with chisels, and the wings and antennae are carved with chisels.

It is as if we can feel the breath of the craftsmen of the Heian period.

The deep spirituality of these butterfly metal fittings has attracted many antique collectors and they have been cherished by them throughout the ages.

This piece is an incense container made of these butterfly metal fittings.

The incense container has a small but important role in tea ceremonies.

Since it is made of wood, it was probably used during the time of the wind furnace.

The taste of the former collector who made this metal fittings into an incense container can be seen.



It is in good condition.

The three small holes are from when it was attached to the sutra binder at that time.

Shifuku is made of silver brocade with a design of plant on a gold-brown ground.

The design of flowers and grasses are woven with silver threads on a gold-brown ground.

The lining and strings are also tailored in the same color, giving an impression of calmness and elegance.

This enchanting incense container conveys the elegant fragrance of the Heian period.

We hope you will enjoy it at tea ceremonies and at your fingertips.