Alms Bowl, c. 900s

Alms Bowl, c. 900s

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.

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Unknown

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Heian Period (794-1185)

Japan

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J. H. Wade Fund

Bronze

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Gilt Bronze

Overall: 12.80 x 23.80 cm (5 x 9 5/16 inches)

In the Heian period, there were strong connections between the aristocracy and the Buddhist clergy. During this period, Buddhist monks’ furnishings, robes, walking staffs, incense burners, and even begging bowls became increasingly ornate. Alms bowls used by Buddhist monks to receive donations have traditionally been made of iron or wood. This bowl, made of gilt bronze and decorated with incised designs of birds and flowers in roundels as well as butterflies, is instead a luxury item likely meant for a Buddhist altar, where it would have contained offerings for a Buddhist deity.