Treasures of JapanA catalogue of Japan's designated cultural properties
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Important Cultural Property

Abbot’s Baton

麈尾
Abbot’s Baton (麈尾)
PLATE IImage: Tokyo National Museum, via ColBase — CC BY 4.0
At a glance — Art Object · Nara period, 8th century · held by Tokyo National Museum · designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Fact Sheet

Designation
Important Cultural Property (重要文化財)
Category
Art Objects
Date
701–800
Location
Ueno, Tokyo
Catalogue ID
cobas-117929

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This is originally a fan-shaped baton with animal-hair placed between two wooden pieces, though animal hair on this work is now completely lost. Prince Shōtoku reportedly used this when he gave a sermon. The handle is shaped like bamboo.

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.

Record & Sources

Cite this page: “Abbot’s Baton（麈尾）.” Treasures of Japan, catalogue no. cobas-117929. Tokyo National Museum. https://treasures.yamato-kenkou.com/treasures/abbots-baton/ — entry last verified 1 November 2026.
Full record data (as published in the official catalogue record)
  • Material: Lacquered wood
  • Cultural property designation: Important Cultural Property
  • Genre: Collection of Hōryūji Treasures
  • 員数: 1柄
  • 品質形状: 木製漆塗
  • 分類: 法隆寺宝物
  • 法量: 全長55.7 幅4.6

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