This bronze alms bowl has engraved motifs of both flowers and butterflies all around. Its form seems to resemble that of an upside-down mushroom cap. The lip of the bowl seems to be curved inwards.
Japan, Nara Period (710-794)
Bronze with traces of gilt, Dimensions: 24 x 13.6 cm
Purchased from the J. H. Wade Fund
This statue was created in the Nara period of Japan, between 710 and 794. It is bronze, gilded. The interpretation of this statuteā¦